‘The Witchfinder’ trailer: ‘Alan Partridge’ writers return with new 17th Century sitcom
A trailer has been unveiled for the BBC’s new historical comedy The Witchfinders.
Created by Neil and Rob Gibbons (Veep, This Time with Alan Partridge), the six-part series is executive produced by Steve Coogan.
The Witchfinder follows “a witchfinder and his suspect on a road-free road trip through an England gripped by civil war, famine and plague in the 17th Century.”
Leading the cast are comedy stars Daisy May Cooper (This Country, The Personal History of David Copperfield) and Tim Key (Peep Show, Alan Partridge).
The official synopsis reads: “It’s the year of our Lord 1645 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 (Tim Key) transports a suspected witch (Daisy May 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.”
The cast boasts an incredible ensemble of comic talent in supporting roles, including Cariad Lloyd (Austentatious), Jessica Hynes (Up the Women), Vincent Franklin (Gentleman Jack), Daniel Rigby (Flowers), Tuwaine Barrett (The Personal History of David Copperfield), Reece Shearsmith (Inside No. 9), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh), Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family), Rosie Cavaliero (Peep Show), Ellie White (Stath Lets Flats), Joplin Sibtain (White Gold), Allan Mustafa (The Curse), Seb Cardinal (This Time with Alan Partridge), and Dan Skinner (Shooting Stars).
The Witchfinder begins in the UK at 10pm on Tuesday 8th March on BBC Two.
All six episodes will then be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
An international broadcaster hasn’t yet been confirmed, but we’ll let you know as soon as it’s announced.
Watch the trailer:
Tim Key previously commented: “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).”
Daisy May Cooper added: “I’ve always wanted to be a witch, my mother says I’ve got the nose and chin hair for it.”
Alan Partridge: Knowing Me, Knowing You is available on DVD on Amazon.