Gormenghast (2000)
Intro
A fantasy drama series by Malcolm McKay, adapted from The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake, and first broadcast on 17 January 2000 (BBC2).
Running time: 4 hours and 34 minutes
Photos
Overview
Gormenghast is a television epic, adapted from the cult novels of Mervyn Peake.
The Groan family have reigned over the strange land of Gormenghast for centuries. The royal household's aversion to change and reliance on tradition, however, threaten to cripple this once-mighty kingdom. When a ruthless servant, Steerpike, determines to exploit the Groans' weaknesses, the overthrow of Gormenghast seems certain.
Among the palace's residents are identical twins Clarice and Cora Groan, who have been barred from public life for over a decade. Shunned by their relatives, the resentful sisters develop a thirst for power at any cost and are among the first to be corrupted by Steerpike. Having failed to guess the real motivation behind the kitchen boy's plans, the simple-minded pair are persuaded to set fire to the palace's ancient library. Lord Groan is driven mad by the loss of his beloved books.
Steerpike rewards his co-conspirators only by locking them away, without hope of escape. His rise to power seems unstoppable. Only the young heir, Titus Groan, stands in his way.
Cast
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers ... Steerpike
Ian Richardson ... Lord Groan
Celia Imrie ... Lady Gertrude Groan
Neve McIntosh ... Lady Fuchsia Groan
Zoë Wanamaker ... Clarice Groan
Lynsey Baxter ... Cora Groan
June Brown ... Nanny Slagg
Warren Mitchell ... Barquentine
Christopher Lee ... Flay
Richard Griffiths ... Swelter
John Sessions ... Dr. Prunesquallor
Fiona Shaw ... Irma Prunesquallor
Stephen Fry ... Professor Bellgrove
Crew
Director: Andy Wilson
Producer: Estelle Daniel
Executive Producers: Rebecca Eaton, Hilary Salmon and Michael Wearing
Cinematography: Gavin Finney
Production Designer: Christopher Hobbs
Costume Designer: Odile Dicks-Mireaux
Makeup Designers: Christine Greenwood and Joan Hills
Original Music: Richard Rodney Bennett and John Tavener
Merchandise
The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake
Related links
Gormenghast guide - BBC Drama
Gormenghast guide - PBS
Most images used on this site are the copyright of their photographer, Ms. Wanamaker, and/or the production company of the show. Use of these images is covered under the fair use limitation in the USA, and the fair dealing limitaton in the UK.
This site is a non-commercial endeavour.