The Gallows Pole, Springwatch and Later with Jools Holland: TV highlights this week

Words by Rob Lavender

Veteran pianist and former Squeeze member Jools Holland has been responsible for bringing myriad emerging artists to national – nay, global – attention via this long-running music show.

Acts as diverse as Seasick Steve, Tori Amos, Sigrid and Wet Leg have all seen their popularity soar after appearing on Jools’ show since it began back in 1992.

So, there will be a definite buzz about this week’s edition, which features not one, not two but three acts making their Later… debut.

They range from brand-new, up-and-coming artists, to music industry veterans who are trying something new and moving their careers on a new trajectory.

For example, the new band Dave Okumu & The 7 Generations sees the renowned record producer collaborate with everyone from Grace Jones to ESKA, the latter of whom joins him tonight.

Singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist Okumu is best known for fronting the iTunes Album of the Year-winning neo-soul band The Invisible. As a producer he has worked with a wealth of talent, including Amy Winehouse, St Vincent, Jane Birkin, Toddla T, Róisin Murphy and Anna Calvi.

He also co-wrote and produced South London vocal powerhouse Jessie Ware’s debut album, Devotion, which was named Album of the Year at the 2012 Mercury Prize awards.

Which goes to show what a small world the music biz is, as Ware also performs this evening in her own right. Ware has a new album, That! Feels Good!, which came out last month, so she’ll doubtless have material from that which she’d love to share on this unique live stage.

Ware has already appeared five times since 2012 (six, if you count the archive performances re-aired during one of the lockdown episodes in 2021), whereas Okumu, despite his already great success, is new to the show.

Plus, making not only her Later… debut but also her first ever appearance on TV is East Londoner Olivia Dean, who performs the song Dive from her forthcoming album Messy. Dean has previously collaborated with Rudimental and has been releasing music since 2019, however Messy will be her first full-length studio album. Her style is utterly unique, with nods to influences including The Supremes and Amy Winehouse – but ultimately very modern and very, very ‘London’.

Meanwhile another act that is new to the show – at least in its current form – is The Waeve, a two-piece supergroup of sorts, consisting of Blur’s Graham Coxon and singer Rose Elinor Dougall, of indie-pop trio The Pipettes. Together they produce an intriguing mix of styles that has been summed up as “pastoral punk”.

Completing the performing line-up are Nottingham duo Sleaford Mods, making their third Later… appearance.

The post-punk duo are known for their rough and abrasive style, and have a minimalist but very catchy sound. Songs typically explore the rigours of life in austerity-era Britain, reflected in the title of their 12th studio album, UK Grim.

Feeling less grim is Stewart Copeland, the American drummer for rock legends the Police, who will be chatting to Jools about his life and career – including his own forthcoming new album, Police Deranged For Orchestra.

Barry Humphries at the BBC (Sunday 28/05/23, BBC2, 9pm)

Words by Rob Lavender

The Australian comedian, actor, author and satirist Barry Humphries, who died last month at the age of 89, has been described as “the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin”.

Certainly his impact has been huge. His brand of humour was at times satirical, and often surreal to the point of Dadaism; using outlandish get-ups he poked fun at established societal norms.

Above all, though, Humphries was entertaining. He was best known for his characters, in particular the flamboyant housewife Dame Edna Everage and the offensive, obnoxious and uncultured ‘cultural attaché’ Sir Les Patterson.

Dame Edna’s history can be traced as far back as 1955, when Humphries joined the newly formed Melbourne Theatre Company, and created the character of Mrs Norm Everage for a sketch called ‘Olympic Hostess’.

Since then, she became one of the most recognisable faces on TV with just her glasses alone enough to recognise her.

Interestingly, Everage and Patterson are essentially polar opposites of one another, with the former’s warmth and wit and outgoing nature entirely at odds with the latter’s uncouth nature. This allowed Humphries to explore a wide range of characters from his own life in a comedic fashion.

In his book A Nice Night’s Entertainment, Humphries described how he developed Patterson’s character at cabaret nights in Hong Kong: “The English merchant bankers and commodity brokers and Australian accountants there all recognised Les as someone they knew in the Australian diplomatic corps”.

The comedian, who stopped drinking in the 1970s, also explained that “in Les I can release my alcoholism”, adding that of all his characters, it was Patterson who consistently caused the most offence.

Both characters and more (perhaps the underground film-maker Martin Agrippa, socialist academic Neil Singleton, sleazy trade unionist Lance Boyle or – hopefully, at least – the stereotypical “Aussie bloke” Barry McKenzie) will no doubt feature heavily in this welcome compilation of the late comedian’s appearances on BBC programmes across the years.

Alex Jones presents the programme, which serves to demonstrate exactly why his various alter egos were so loved by comedy fans across the world, while also highlighting how it was Humphries himself, not his caricatures, who was really one of a kind.

The programme is followed by both parts of the 2014 BBC Four documentary Rebels of Oz: Germaine, Clive, Barry and Bob, in which Howard Jacobson examines the impact of Humphries and fellow Australians Robert Hughes, Clive James and Germaine Greer on western culture.

Jacobson begins by exploring their backgrounds, and uncovering their time spent together as part of Sydney’s “Push”’movement, before moving on to explore how their successes overseas led to a low-key backlash Down Under – as Jacobson says in the film, “Australians are suspicious of poppies that grow too high”.

Springwatch (Monday 29/05/23, BBC2, 7.30pm)

Words by Rachael Popow

Some viewers may be looking forward to summer, but on BBC2 it’s definitely still spring as Springwatch returns for a new series – and with a new location.

For the next three weeks, Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan will be based at RSPB Arne in Dorset, and the show’s executive producer Rosemary Edwards thinks it’s the perfect HQ. She says: “We are excited to bring this year’s Springwatch live from RSPB Arne, at the heart of Purbeck Heaths, home to an astonishing array of wildlife, from birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and more.

“We hope that audiences will have a chance to learn something new about their favourite species, or even discover new ones. We hope that this year’s programmes will inspire more people to explore the beautiful and diverse nature we have in the UK, and encourage them to learn how they can make a difference too.”

The site is being equipped with 30 remote cameras, which should capture species ranging from green woodpeckers and Dartford Warblers to tunnelling bees as they experience the joys – and dramas – of the season.

RSPB Arne is also one of the one of the few places where all six of the UK’s native reptiles can be found, so the presenters will be keeping their eyes peeled for rare sand lizards and smooth snakes.

As Rosemary says, Arne is at the heart of Purbeck Heaths, which has been dubbed the UK’s first ‘super’ National Nature Reserve, and was created through the efforts of seven wildlife partners working together. It’s made up of 11 priority habitats that allow its inhabitants, which include heathlands birds, Britain’s rarest dragonfly, and 12 bat species, to move around more freely and adapt to the changing climate and environment.

Over the next few weeks, Iolo Williams will be exploring the wider area, and learning more about what makes it so special.

He’s not the only roving reporter as Gillian Burke is hitting the road in North Wales, where she experiences the region’s natural beauty from Snowdonia, across the Menai Straits to Anglesey.

She’ll also be checkout out a reclaimed post-industrial landscape in Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve, and learning how are seas are affected by the changing seasons.

Plus, there are reports from across the UK, spotlighting our native wildlife and the people who are working hard to preserve it.

We can also expect the return of Mindfulness Moments. For newcomers to Springwatch (although given that the show began back in 2005, there can’t be many of those around), these are 90 second films which allow viewers to just experience nature without any talking heads or interruptions.

So, expect to be transported into the world of the red squirrels, take in a tranquil carpet of English bluebells and listen to the UK’s only aquatic songbird – the dipper.

It’s a reminder of just how incredible Britain’s wildlife really is, and Springwatch is continuing in its mission to make sure we don’t take it for granted.

Waterloo Road (Tuesday 30/05/23, BBC One, 8pm)

Words by Sarah Morgan

What do you do if you’re a major broadcaster, you’ve just dumped one of your tried and tested primetime dramas and need a replacement as soon as possible?

Call on another old favourite, of course!

That’s what the Beeb did earlier this year when, after ditching Holby City, they resurrected good old Waterloo Road, eight years after its previous run ended. Its second coming arrived amidst a heap of fanfare from the BBC’s publicity department, which was keen to stress that all the things we’d liked about it were returning, but with some extra stuff its makers hoped we’d enjoy too.

Thankfully, this blend of the old and new worked a treat so, after a short break, it was brought back again for a 12th series, which began a few weeks ago.

“It’s great to be back on BBC One and to be able to offer iPlayer fans some great new episodes,” says original cast member Angela Griffin; she plays Kim Campbell, who’s the now the headteacher. “We have such a wonderful and talented cast, all of whom bring so much to Waterloo Road. This series holds a fair few surprises for Kim and everyone around her and I can’t wait for people to catch up with all the action inside and outside the school.”

One of the biggest shocks for Kim so far has been the reappearance of her former colleague and old flame Andrew Treneman.

“I am so excited to be returning to Waterloo Road,” claimed Jamie Glover, who plays him, when his return was announced in April. “The school has been such an important part of my life and it’s wonderful to be able to rekindle the old flame. Not to mention the joy of getting to work with the incomparable Angela Griffin once more.

“I hope that people will enjoy seeing Andrew and Kim together in the school again. Older? Certainly, there’s the grey hair to prove it…! Wiser? Who knows?”

“To have Jamie Glover reprise his role as Andrew Treneman alongside our fantastic returning and new cast members is a real treat,” added Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama.

If you’re a fan of the show and haven’t yet listened to the accompanying podcast via BBC Sounds, then make sure you do so. Hosted by two of the programme’s stars, Adam Thomas and Priyasasha Kumari, it takes listeners behind the scenes and features interviews with celebrity guests and cast members.

They should have plenty to discuss after the latest episode airs. Ofsted has been in the news lately, having been criticised for the stress it causes for staff. Its inspectors would certainly have a field day at Waterloo Road because, as often tends to be the case, personal matters look set to overshadow what should be happening in school – ie learning.

While tongues start wagging about Preston and Kai, Amy’s encounter with her crush looks set to end in disaster. The poetry slam does, however, get under way – but, as we could all have predicted, it’s not without its problems…

The Gallows Pole (Wednesday 31/05/23, BBC Two, 9pm)

Words by Sarah Morgan

Think of Shane Meadows and what immediately springs to mind?

Probably urban dramas set in the 20th century. He is, of course, the man who brought us such classics as This Is England (both the original film and its TV spin-offs), The Virtues and Dead Man’s Shoes.

You certainly wouldn’t associate him with period drama anyway, although that may change after watching The Gallows Pole.

The three-parter is inspired by the award-winning novel of the same name by Benjamin Myers, which tells the true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a group of counterfeiters active in Cragg Vale, near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, during the late-18th century.

At a time when the cost of living is high and families are resorting to using food banks, the tale seems oddly timely and poignant.

“I really wanted to delve into the history of this story and the circumstances that lead to an entire West Yorkshire community risking their lives to put food in their children’s bellies,” explains Meadows.

“It was during the workshopping process with the actors I realised there was also a story to tell leading up to Ben’s incredible book. A prequel that not only allowed us to understand ‘why’ the Cragg Vale Coiners did what they did, but maybe fall in love with them a smidge while they did it. It may have turned into one of the biggest crimes in British history, but it was pulled off by a bunch of destitute farmers and weavers doing what they had to to survive, and I think people will resonate with that.”

The writer-director adds: “You can tell a story in any century if you care about the characters, but there was something so attractive about this period in British history. Large mouthfuls of West Yorkshire were about to be inhaled by the Industrial Revolution and our country and its unspoilt sides set to change forever. So it was an honour to be able to go back and hold up a magnifying glass to some of dudes that were living through it.

“Marry that with a cast that pitches some of the UK’s finest actors alongside an awesome array of brand spanking new Yorkshire talent and you have a series unlike anything else I’ve made before.”

“Shane has retained the feel of The Gallows Pole and shot it in the very same landscapes that I have been exploring for many years now, and where the true events happened,” says Myers, who is impressed with the finished result. “So it looks, sounds and smells right. Shane is a true auteur, he has a singular vision, and he has taken it off in a new direction.”

Meadows’ regulars Michael Socha and Thomas Turgoose are among the excellent cast, which also includes George MacKay, Tom Burke, Ralph Ineson, Fine Time Fontayne and a number of first-time actors although, as Meadows would probably tell you himself, it’s the extraordinary story that is the real star of this show.

Who Do You Think You Are? (Thursday 01/06/23, BBC1, 9pm)

Words by Rachael Popow

It’s easy to see why celebrities keep signing up for the genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are?, which returns tonight. It’s a chance for them to learn more about their family trees and, depending on what the researchers find, they might also get a trip abroad thrown in.

But why has the format proved so popular with viewers? Well, it could be that as well as offering us a new insight into the roots of some of Britain’s most famous people, it also turns up fascinating stories and shines a new light on different areas of social history.

We’re promised that the new run will include everything from clog-wearing rope dancers and Scottish royalty to murder trials and tragic accidents, and that the celebrities’ journeys will take them across the UK as well as further afield.

For example, thanks to Bruce Forsyth, former Strictly Coming Dancing professional Kevin Clifton will forever be known to some viewers as ‘Kevin from Grimsby’. However, his journey into his family’s past takes him to one of the most remote places in Canada.

Meanwhile, broadcaster and DJ Dev Griffin heads to Jamaica, where he’s surprised by some very personal records about his great grandparents.

Actor and comedian Emily Atack already has a few illustrious names in her family tree – her mother is actress Kate Robbins, her uncle is comedian Ted Robbins, and she’s a cousin of Paul McCartney.

In this series, she also discovers that she, Ryan Reynolds and a certain football club all have a lot more in common than she may have thought.

Twin doctors and presenters Chris and Xand van Tulleken are teaming up again to delve into their Dutch ancestry, comedian, podcaster and TV host Chris Ramsey uncovers a story of luck, and adventurer Bear Grylls is delighted to end up in the wild, but surprised that it’s through a royal connection.

Speaking of royalty, The Crown’s Claire Foy and Lesley Manville (aka the first Queen Elizabeth II and the third Princess Margaret) will be looking into their histories. Will they follow in the footsteps of one of the show’s most memorable subjects, Danny Dyer, and discover a real-life connection to the throne?

The series begins though with Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is one of Britain’s most successful composers – he was recently commissioned to create an anthem, Make a Joyful Noise, for the coronation of King Charles III.

Andrew already knows he comes from a musical family – his brother Julian is a virtuoso cellist – but he’s keen to find out if any of his ancestors also shared his love of theatre and showbiz.

Along the way he discovers a certain Uncle Peregrine, who played a key role under Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo, as well as a missionary who dedicated his life to helping the poor and needy.

There are also stories that have uncanny parallels with Andrew’s own life, as he learns he’s not the only person in his family with a famous, cello-playing sibling.

Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out (Friday 02/06/23, Channel 5, 8pm)

Words by Rob Lavender

The unfailingly likeable Scottish comedian Susan Calman and her beloved little camper van – a 1999 Romahome Daihatsu Hijet that she has christened ‘Helen Mirren’ – leave UK shores for the first time in this series.

They make for the self-governing British Crown dependency of the Isle of Man, a magical island full of beautiful landscapes, friendly people and exciting discoveries.

She kicks things off by exploring the historic port of Peel, which was once a Viking stronghold. There, she meets a real-life treasure hunter, and takes a trip around the stunning harbour with the crew of a Viking longboat. She also gets a rare treat in the form of a local delicacy: a kipper and lime marmalade bap. Could this be the new Manx national dish?

Across on the east coast is Laxey, a former mining village and home to the Great Laxey Wheel – the largest surviving original working waterwheel in the world. Susan gets to see it up close, and even has the privilege of turning it on for the upcoming tourist season.

Laxey also offers her the chance for a trip aboard a vintage tram on the Manx Electric railway, a picturesque line which is still used as a commuter route today.

Travelling south, she arrives in Douglas, the capital. There Susan meets the president of the world’s oldest continuously running parliament, the Tynwald, and ventures into the debating chamber – where she gets a surprise.

The day she arrives it transpires that the politicians have handed control over to the island’s children, who are invested in a very important discussion.

Of course, there is one event that truly puts the Isle of Man on the map – the TT, an annual motorcycle race which dates back to 1907.

Due to this, Man is a popular destination for motorsport enthusiasts and petrolheads in general. However, it’s not only the TT that features at the island’s Motor Museum.

It’s there that Susan encounters a car that could have been made for her – the Peel P50, the smallest production car in the world which was designed and built on the island.

Susan realises that the P50 could just about fit inside the back of Helen, which is no mean feat considering her Hijet is already one of the littlest camper vans around.

Fans of the series will know that an episode barely counts unless Susan is doing something entirely out of her comfort zone. This week she rounds off her stay at Man by taking her very first trip on an electric scooter. She uses this exciting but quiet mode of transport to explore the peaceful and atmospheric South Barrule Forest, before ending at a viewpoint at the southern tip of Man. There she has a clear view of the island’s tiny neighbour, which has the rather adorable name of the Calf of Man.

It’s a wonderful place to reflect on what Susan calls an unforgettable trip.