The Witchfinder. Image shows from L to R: Gideon Bannister (Tim Key), Thomasine Gooch (Daisy May Cooper)
The Witchfinder

The Witchfinder

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Two
  • 2022
  • 6 episodes (1 series)

Tim Key and Daisy May Cooper star in this comedy series set in the 1600s. Also features Jessica Hynes, Daniel Rigby and Tuwaine Barrett.

The Witchfinder. Image shows from L to R: Witchfinder (Tim Key), Witch (Daisy May Cooper)

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
2022
Channel
BBC Two
Episodes
6 (1 series)
Stars
Tim Key, Daisy May Cooper, Jessica Hynes, Daniel Rigby and Tuwaine Barrett
Writers
Neil Gibbons, Rob Gibbons and Steve Coogan
Directors
Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbons
Producers
Joe Fraser, Dave Lambert, Rupert Majendie, Sarah Monteith, Tanya Qureshi, Neil Gibbons, Rob Gibbons, Caroline Wyard and Chelsea Chandler
Company

Comedy series following a witchfinder and his suspect on a road-free road trip through an England gripped by civil war, famine and plague.

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, Gideon Bannister, transports a suspected witch 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 named Thomasine Gooch, whose ability to prick his pomposity and ask uncomfortable questions turns a straightforward journey into a life-changing ordeal.

Stream and download

Additional details

Production
Location
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Colour

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Tuesday 8th March 2022 at 10pm on BBC Two

Recording details

  • Dorney Court - Gideon's parents' house and Matthew Hopkins's house
  • Dorney (Buckinghamshire) - Swimming scene (River Thames)
  • St Mary Magdalene (Boveney) - Witchcraft accusation church

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