BBC Two Commissions Comedy ‘The Witchfinder’ With Tim Key & Daisy May Cooper
BBC Two has commissioned brand new original comedy ‘The Witchfinder‘, from Neil and Rob Gibbons, the writer/directors of ‘This Time With Alan Partridge’, starring Tim Key and Daisy May Cooper.
It’s the year of our Lord 1647 and fear of witchcraft is rife. Puritanical Christianity, deep-seated superstition and a willingness to scapegoat outsiders have created a tinderbox of suspicion in which few are safe. In this environment, witchfinding has flourished, as self-appointed witch experts achieve hero status by investigating accusations of witchery and extracting confessions.
A failing witchfinder (Key) transports a suspected witch (Cooper) across 1640s East Anglia to a trial that could change his fortunes forever. But his captive is the worst possible travel companion: an inquisitive, uncouth woman whose ability to prick his pomposity and ask uncomfortable questions turns a straightforward journey into a life-changing ordeal.
“I cannot wait to be starring in The Witchfinder with the absolutely brilliant Tim Key,” comments Cooper. “I’ve always wanted to be a witch, my mother says I’ve got the nose and chin hair for it. I dabbled a bit in witchcraft when I was in my teens and ended up accidentally inviting an incubus into my house. He was an absolute prick.”
“I’m delighted to be working with the mercurially talented Gibbons brothers again, particularly on something set in 17th century England – which they seem to have a fairly loose grasp of – and I’m excited to do a road trip but on horses (I can’t ride a horse),” adds Key. “I love the idea of Daisy May Cooper being a pissed-off witch anyway so the fact that I’m playing her antagonist is the icing on the cake. Can’t wait to saddle up.”
The series is written and directed by Neil and Rob Gibbons (‘This Time with Alan Partridge’, ‘Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa’, ‘Mid Morning Matters’, ‘Veep’). The producer is Dave Lambert and the executive producers are Christine Langan and Steve Coogan, and is a Baby Cow production for BBC Two.
“In The Witchfinder, the Gibbons brothers have managed to create a timelessly compelling odd couple, forced together on a journey through one of the most baffling moments of English history,” said Kate Daughton, Head of Comedy Commissioning. “Tim Key and Daisy May Cooper are two of the UK’s funniest people and I can’t wait to see them tackle gender politics, male privilege and bees… on horseback.”
The 6×30’ series was ordered for BBC Two by channel controller Patrick Holland and Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning. Kate Daughton, Head of Comedy Commissioning will be editor on the series.
There is no premiere date for ‘The Witchfinder‘ yet, but we would presume it will land on BBC Two in 2020. We’ll let you know when we hear more.
