La revue de presse

“DID anyone ask why..?”

Prepare to clear your diary for a special TV event.

Peter Moffat’s BAFTA award-winning Criminal Justice returns to BBC1 next month for five consecutive nights.

I saw episode one last night in a West End cinema.

Having interviewed leading lady Maxine Peake last week in a restaurant just around the corner.

She stars as Juliet Miller, the troubled wife of top QC Joe Miller, played by Matthew Macfadyen.

Both give gripping performances as the first hour slowly unfolds.

It begins with barrister Joe summing up in a murder trial.

Before swapping his wig and gown for running kit and a jog to his office.

Then on by black cab to the family home, where his wife and 13-year-old daughter are waiting.

What happens that night is disturbing.

But it sets up what BBC Drama boss Ben Stephenson described last night as “a complete and utter page turner”.

With Maxine and Matthew delivering “career best performances”.

“It’s an intense story – with a brilliant cast,” said Maxine, who goes all Islington to play Juliet.

Fans of the talented Mr M will know just how versatile he is.

From Spooks to Secret Life via Pride and Prejudice and Little Dorrit.

“Matthew is so charming and how he plays a character is so subtle,” added Maxine.

The man himself said: “I’ve been a great admirer of Peter Moffat’s work for ages and remember how brilliant his legal drama North Square was.

“My wife Keeley (Hawes) starred opposite James McAvoy in Peter’s really witty and clever take on Macbeth, which the BBC screened a few years ago.

“So I’m thrilled to be in something he’s written.”

The rest of the cast includes the likes of Denis Lawson, Steven Mackintosh, Sophie Okonedo, Eddie Marsan and a welcome return for Kate Hardie.

With every single performance adding to this top quality piece of television.

There will be more on Criminal Justice nearer transmission – the start date has to remain under wraps…for now.

I’ve also interviewed Matthew for new BBC4 drama Enid, finally due to be screened before too long.

And will run those words as soon as I am able to.

What was it like playing opposite Matthew Macfadyen?
"Great. Because it's Matthew Macfadyen all the ladies watching will be going, 'Please let him survive – I'll switch over if he dies!' He is gorgeous and brilliant with this real ease about him – he makes everything look effortless – it's sickening really. He rocks up, everybody swoons, he does his bit and then off he goes!"

Luce a écrit:Non, Marina, pas assez, cette fois !

Matthieu a écrit:Calme-toi, Marina. La série commence ce soir même.

Afficher mes émotions ? Pour convaincre qui ?