Character: Sarah Farriner (lead role)
Created by: Jon Jones
Other cast: Tom Bradby, Tom Butterworth, Chris Hurford
Premiere date: October 2014
Genre: Drama, History
Running time: 1h
Links: Gallery // IMDb // Wikipedia
A fascinating insight into what really happened on the night of Sunday 2nd of September 1666, the Great fire of London in which parts of the city burned for 3 days the fire started in a bakery in pudding lane with the loss of around 6 recorded deaths and thousands of homes burnt to the ground.
« Sarah is a single parent as her sailor husband Will – Thomas’s brother – has been missing for 15 months. His ship sank at the Battle of Lowestoft and although there were some survivors she hasn’t heard any word from him. Sarah is devoted to her son and fiercely protective of him. So while she is kind and gentle, she doesn’t cower in any way, which was an attribute I loved. It’s quite something to be, effectively, a single mother bringing up a child in what could be a brutal world. » – Rose Leslie (source)
Television Productions > The Great Fire > Episodes Stills
Television Productions > The Great Fire > Behind The Scenes
Television Productions > The Great Fire > Behind The Scenes Video
Episode 1
Original air date : October 16, 2014
Directed by : Jon Jones
Written by : Tom Bradby
{ Episode Screencaptures }
In the sweltering London summer of 1666, Samuel Pepys curries favor with King Charles II, whose chief of intelligence suspects a plot against the throne. Fire breaks out in the bakery of widower Thomas Farriner, father of two daughters.
Episode 2
Original air date : October 23, 2014
Directed by : Jon Jones
Written by : Tom Bradby
{ Episode Screencaptures }
Thomas flees the burning city with his family. Shocked at the speed of the inferno’s spread, Pepys calls on the king to address the mayor’s failing efforts. Thomas’ sister-in-law, Sarah, is imprisoned in Newgate as her son searches for her.
Episode 3
Original air date : October 30, 2014
Directed by : Jon Jones
Written by : Tom Bradby
{ Episode Screencaptures }
Thomas returns to the fire to rescue Sarah and David. The king, angry that his own advisors overruled his orders to fight the fire, is informed that a Catholic plot to unseat him was allegedly masterminded by his brother, James.
Episode 4
Original air date : November 06, 2014
Directed by : Jon Jones
Written by : Tom Bradby
{ Episode Screencaptures }
As the fire creeps close to the gunpowder-filled Tower of London, King Charles finally takes action. Sarah is recaptured and presented to the king as the fire’s instigator. Thomas seeks Pepys’ help to influence the king in her favor.
This programme consists of 4 Game of Thrones (2011) cast members. This includes Rose Leslie, Charles Dance, Ben Crompton and Nicholas Blane who respectively portray Ygritte, Tywin Lannister, Eddison Tollet / Edd and « spice king ».