David Farnor | On 30, Nov 2022

From The Snowman to a slew of Christmas specials, BritBox UK is getting in the festive spirit this December, while also showcasing some brilliant British cinematic talent, including A Bigger Splash, Mrs Brown, Truly Madly Deeply and Ken Branagh’s Henry V.

Note: From 8th December, when ITVX launches in the UK, BritBox UK’s library will be available through the ITVX app, included with a monthly ITVX Premium subscription.

Here’s what’s coming soon to BritBox UK in December 2022:

Britmas – 1st December

This year’s additions to the Britmas collection includes Christmas specials from Absolutely Fabulous (2002 & 2004), Catherine Tate’s Nan (2013), Waiting for God (1993), House of Fools (2014), Dear John (1987), Bluestone Two Four (2013), Jam & Jerusalem (2007), Two Doors Down (2017), The Smoking Room (2014), Strictly Come Dancing (2008, 2009) and Top of the Pops (2008). The Snowman (1982) and A Child’s Christmases in Wales (2009) will also be available.

I, Claudius (1976) – 1st December

I, Claudius is a 1976 BBC Television adaptation of Robert Graves’ I, Claudius and Claudius the God. Starring Derek Jacobi as Claudius, with Siân Phillips, Brian Blessed, John Hurt, and Patrick Stewart, it follows the history of Rome – narrated by the elderly Claudius – from the death of Marcellus, nephew and son-in-law of Augustus, in the first episode to Claudius’ own death in the last. The series opens with Augustus, the emperor of Rome, attempting to find an heir, and his wife Livia plotting to elevate her own son Tiberius to this position. The plotting and double-crossing continue for many decades, through the conspiracy of Sejanus and the rule of the lunatic emperor Caligula, culminating in Claudius’ seemingly accidental rise to power.

Mrs Brown (1998) – 1st December

Rugged Scotsman John Brown is a lowly servant who looks after Queen Victoria’s horses. Yet when circumstances bring them together, the result is a passionate friendship that scandalizes a nation. Grieving widow Queen Victoria withdraws into sadness for years, until plainspoken manservant John Brown disrupts her mourning. But as their friendship grows, it results in personal and political ramifications for both of them. Starring Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly.

A Bigger Splash (2015) – 1st December

Rock legend Marianne Lane is recuperating on the volcanic island of Pantelleria with her partner Paul when iconoclast record producer and old flame Harry unexpectedly arrives with his daughter Penelope and interrupts their holiday, bringing with him an A-bomb blast of nostalgia from which there can be no rescue. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson, Matthias Schoenaerts and Tilda Swinton.

Hawking (2004) – 8th December

Fictionalised biography of Professor Stephen Hawking starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the young Stephen Hawking who, as a bright and ambitious 21 year-old PhD student at Cambridge University, is diagnosed with the debilitating motor neurone disease and given two years to live. The drama tells how, against the odds, he goes on to achieve scientific success and worldwide acclaim.

How About You (2008) – 8th December

Ellie’s in charge of a home for the elderly. All residents are spending Christmas with their families except The Hard Core four. They’re so objectionable that the home faces closure because of them. Starring Orla Brady, Hayley Atwell and Vanessa Redgrave.

Truly Madly Deeply (1990) – 8th December

Anthony Minghella writes and directs this British fantasy drama starring Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman. Following the death of her boyfriend Jamie (Rickman), Nina (Stevenson) is overwhelmed with grief and feels unable to go on living without him. However, when Jamie returns as a ghost, Nina is overjoyed to continue their relationship, until his behaviour gets out of control and she is left conflicted about his return. Will she finally learn to live without him?

Gimme Gimme Gimme (1999 – 2001) – 15th December

Things can be a little tropical, not to mention stormy, in Paradise Passage – home to the irrepressible Linda and Tom. Innuendo’s the order of the day, with the potty-mouthed flatmates’ verbal sparring (and hopeless self-delusion) raining down on their poor neighbours. James Dreyfus camps it up as a thwarted thespian, while Kathy Burke is a true multi-coloured monster.

India 1947: Partition in Colour (2022) – 15th December

Newly colourised film tells the story of the partition of India and the personal rivalries of some of the key players – from Viceroy Mountbatten to Nehru and the Viceroy’s wife.

The Real Windsors (2022) – 15th December

Filmed as the reign of Britain’s longest serving monarch draws to a close, this inside story on the state of the world’s most famous dynasty asks: what next for the monarchy?

Queen Victoria and the British Maharajah (2022) – 15th December

From the real-life Downton Abbey to her Southall roots, acclaimed filmmaker Gurinder Chadha explores the remarkable life story o3f Prince Victor Duleep Singh, godson of Queen Victoria.

Wycliffe Series 3-5 (1996-1998) – 15th December

Set amid the windswept beauty of Cornwall, this massively popular and highly acclaimed series stars Jack Shepherd as the quietly charismatic Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe, who leads a team investigating the region’s most serious and challenging cases.

Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Series 1-9 (2001-2011) – 22nd December

Every episode of the comedy drama following the lives of five characters who are bumming their way through life, desperately trying to avoid the responsibilities of adulthood for as long as possible. Donna (Natalie Casey) is the gobby one of the group and is proud of her ability to swear like a trooper whilst simultaneously downing a pint and smoking a fag. Janet (Sheriden Smith) lives contentedly with boyfriend Jonny and can usually be found at home on the sofa picking her feet or in the pub talking rubbish with Donna. Jonny (Ralf Little) is a sweet devoted boyfriend to Janet but it’s fair to say that he’s not the sharpest tool in the box. Gaz (Will Mellor) loves himself, Man City, beer, sex and .Man City. Louise (Kathryn Drysdale) is a few sandwiches short of a picnic and desperate to get her own man, who is preferably her perfect horoscope match. Donna’s acid mother Flo (Beverly Callard) is always on hand to offer completely inappropriate advice about men and top up martinis.

The Legend of Barney Thomson (2015) – 29th December

Comedy crime drama with Robert Carlyle as a boring barber whose life goes from 0-60 when, after losing his job, he suddenly becomes a serial killer and falls from grace.

Henry V (1989) – 29th December

Kenneth Branagh writes, directs and stars as the eponymous king in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. The young King Henry V of England (Branagh), his days of carousing behind him, is advised of his legal claim to the French throne by leaders of the English Church. He decides to invade the country with his small and somewhat ragtag army, taking on the massed might of King Charles VI (Paul Scofield)’s French forces who outnumber their English counterparts five to one.

 

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