Stonehouse

Very watchable as the portrayal of real life characters is done well. Betty Boothroyd and Harold Wilson should have their own spin off series they were that good and some of their lines were very amusing. Keeley Hawes is always good at playing a middle class wife and she adds a bit of tongue in cheek nuance to a brilliant performance to match the plot. Which if it wasn't true, this story would be considered far fetched. What is also captured well is the 1970s so as someone who lived through this there is a wonderful sense of nostalgia. I highly recommend it as a binge watch to indulge yourself with.

The story of disgraced former Labour MP and Minister John Stonehouse, who got involved in several criminal activities, and later vanished.

It is well worth seeing, it's such an incredible story, if it wasn't based on true events, it would be deemed far fetched, but based on actual events.

It has some nice touches of humour, there are some really amusing scenes mixed in to the more serious elements.

Matthew Macfadyen gives an excellent performance as Stonehouse, there's a scene in episode three, where he delivers a speech, it is an outstanding moment. Keeley Hawes is excellent as wife Barbara, but she is turning into Olivia Colman, who really is in everything.

Well worth looking at further material, interviews and such featuring him, he's an interesting character, it gives you an idea of how Macfadyen captured him as well.

It's well worth your time, 8/10.

This 3 part ITVX series is just an absolute hoot! This true story is just so bizarre it's hard to believe it really did happen. I went online to further study the case & the series does mostly stick to the actual story.

The characters, actors, soundtrack & cinematography are just all top notch. There are also quite a few laugh out loud moments. The 70s hairstyles & fashion are so expertly recreated. The leads are superbly cast & it is all perfectly wrapped up in 3 episodes.

It reminds us of all the too many UK political scandals. Do yourself a big favour & make time to watch this most entertaining series.

ITV is on a roll with high quality dramas after the excellent Anne ,comes this gem .

The direction has a knowing and crisp feel , the script is truthful but very witty , the musical score superb .

The acting is fabulous , every member is good but standout is Macfadyen , whose lugubrious and dishevelled charm , (his voluminous hair seemed to have a life of its own ) ,captures the essence of an old school charmer who can't see his terrible behaviour for what it really is . The politics of the time were captured really well , Harold Wilson was spot on .

ITV deserve a lot of credit for putting together great creative teams and let's hope they continue with this level of quality .

As soon as the music starts you know this isn't going to be a dour, miserable drama, and the proclamation about things being dramatised, means it isn't going to be historically accurate , but none of that matters a jot, this is pure entertainment! Makes such a change from the number of dark dramas on TV these days.

The character of Stonehouse is wonderfully played by Matthew McFadyen, sometimes you despair at how unaware of his own ridiculousness he is, but then the next minute, you're rooting for him!

The ever dependable Keeley Hawes is excellent as the hard done to, but ever loyal wife.

Have to say the entire thing just flew by for me, which is always a good sign , and I'll certainly rewatch in the future.