ON TV: P&P stars on Cranford

Cranford, the BBC mini-series will be airing in three episodes May 4, 11, & 18 on Masterpiece.

Judi Dench, Philip Glenister, Francesca Annis and Michael Gambon star in Elizabeth Gaskell's five-part period drama which follows the small absurdities and major tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford.

Some P&P alumni stars (P&P '05's Judi Dench, Simon Woods, and Claudie Blakley. Also, Julia Sawalha [Lydia Bennet] from P&P '95 mini-series) are in this period drama. The cast list also includes Francesca Annis, Philip Glenister, Lesley Manville, Julia McKenzie, Imelda Staunton, and Greg Wise.

Here's a brief info on Simon Woods and Judi Dench's characters on Cranford.

The arrival of handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods) from London causes a stir; not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many of the ladies' hearts in the town.

Judi Dench plays Miss Matty Jenkyns, whose hopes and rebellious spirit are crushed when she was forced as a young woman to give up Mr Holbrook (Michael Gambon), the man she loved. She is the younger sister of Cranford’s moral guardian, Miss Deborah (Eileen Atkins), and is much-loved for her kindness, while her elder sibling and fellow spinster enforces a rigid social code and dominates the town’s women.

Watch Cranford Videos below:

• Judi Dench Video Interview
• Simon Woods Video Interview
• Watch the TV trailer

Currently being broadcast in the UK on the BBC, Cranford stars many famous British actors including the always remarkable Dame Judi Dench (our favorite Lady Catherine) and Simon Woods (our Mr. Bingley), and Claudie Blakley (Charlotte Lucas). Here's the link to the Official Site: Cranford for more info.

Source: The Darcy Saga (Sharon's lovely website) | BBC's Cranford site