Stonehouse

John Stonehouse's fall from grace is a sad story, and the mildly comedic flavour of this production might be seen as inappropriate. But the fact is that his actions and attitudes were indeed somewhat farcical, and the writer, director and actors manage very well to stay just this side of playing it for laughs. Its roots in reality are never lost, and the viewer is left with a sense of pity and despair for Stonehouse, and sympathy for his family and others affected by his misguided decisions.

In a wider sense, the series highlights how someone short on common sense, but long on ambition and greed, can do well in politics by presenting a confident and convincing facade. I like the way Harold Wilson is portrayed as seeing Stonehouse as a good image for the Labour Party because he is handsome. And how he makes him Minister for Aviation because he'd been in the RAF for two years. I've no reason to think this is inconceivable, and it's an amusing reflection on how some of our current crop of politicians got where they are.

So full marks to everyone involved. The period detail is very impressive, taking me back to my younger days in the early 70s. The husband and wife team of Keeley Hawes and Matthew MacFadyen are superb as the Stonehouses, Emer Heatley does a marvellous job as Sheila Buckley the secretary, and Kevin McNally's portrayal of Harold Wilson is uncannily accurate.

The amazing story of John Stonehouse says everything you need to know about political life in the 1970s. A labour MP starts work on his way up the ministerial ladder happily married with children, Stonehouse goes on the journey of self destruction first of all getting embroiled as a useless spy for the Czech government.

All of a sudden the money dries up labour lose the election and Stonehouse is dropped as a spy on the money dries up and he finds him self in a whole heap of trouble.

From here on in is the stuff of legend even though I was only a young boy when this took place, I remember it very clearly and this TV series, brings this remarkable story to life.

Matthew McFadden is perfect as the corrupt politician, whilst Kevin McNally as Harold Wilson and Keeley Hawes are excellent in the supporting cast.

Written by John Prescott the program strikes a nice balance between humour in fact. 8/10.

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.

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.

Stonehouse hit the right tone from the off. Its a true story about a crooked politician in Harold Wilson's government but has mischievous fun with its subject matter.

Production values were excellent all round, direction by Jon S Baird was assured, it had a whip-smart script by John Preston (who wrote 'A Very English Scandal') and the score by Rolfe Kent was great.

Viewers under 60 will ask who Stonehouse was - but you don't need background knowledge to enjoy this excellent drama. In a sense Stonehouse represents every entitled politician though the ages who's been caught out and skewered.

So much better than I expected, thoroughly recommended - its entertaining, very funny and Mathew MacFadyen is outstanding as Stonehouse.