Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Television treats for British fantasy fans

British fans of Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett are hoping for Christmas treats. The BBC are screening an adaptation of Philip Pullman's novel The Ruby in the Smoke (the first book in the Sally Lockhart quartet) on December 27th at 8.30 pm. The Victorian adventure stars the actress who recently retired as Doctor Who's assistant, Billie Piper, alongside Oscar-nominated Julie Walters. Good news for American fans - according to the PBS site, it'll be airing in early February in the US (it's about half way down the page on the left hand side !) on Masterpiece Theatre.

And Terry Pratchett fans are hoping that Sky One's adaptation of Pratchett's Discworld novel, Hogfather, lives up to its potential. Fans of the book and the TV movie, may be interested in the Hogfather: The Illustrated Screenplay or the Hogfather Calendar, both of which I've seen and can recommend as being interesting (and in the case of the calendar, full of some brilliant photos !). Hogfather is airing on Sky One on December 17 and 18, and again on December 25 and 26, in two 2-hour slots.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

"The BBC are screening an adaptation of Philip Pullman's novel The Ruby in the Smoke (the first book in the Sally Lockhart quartet) on December 27th at 8:30 pm."

Oh, Michele, I am SO jealous. Full report, please, if you do watch it? I love the Sally Lockhart series and think they are much underappreciated. I pray, hope, wish the adaptation shows in States SOON!

Michele said...

I shall be taping it to watch at my convience - possibly the following day, but possibly not until I get back to Oxford a couple of days later. But yes, a full report will be offered here ! I also like the quartet - they were the first of Philip's books that I read. I've been meaning to re-read them but haven't got there yet - next year, though, along with umpteen other books I'll be (re)reading for my projected book.

Anonymous said...

I like the quartet, too, but I think Billy Piper is totally WRONG for Sally Lockhart. Ick. But I'll probably watch it if it comes on Masterpiece Theatre (I get the Seattle PBS station here in Victoria)

Michele said...

Well Philip doesn't agree with you ! He saw Billie doing some filming and he liked what he saw. She's certainly a far better actress than I gave her credit for when I heard she'd be playing The Doctor's assistant in New Doctor Who !