The Great Fire of London is such a momentous event in British history it has been stamped in the memory of every school-kid in the country, but never has the disaster of 1666 been reproduced for a television drama. And definitely not with real fire. Yet, that’s exactly what ITV proposes to do in brand new drama The Great Fire, set to air tonight (October 16) on ITV at 9pm.
The series takes little-known historical details alongside the well-known facts to create a thrilling tale of relationships and tragedy. It all starts, as we know, with a small baker called Thomas Farriner (played by Andrew Buchan), who is struggling to keep his business afloat. The fire that destroyed half of London begins in his bakery.
After his father’s death at the hands of Mr Cromwell, King Charles II (Jack Huston) is eager to avoid riots and anyone who might have a problem with the monarchy. Consequently, he’s not terribly keen on sorting out the fire that engulfs his capital city and the anguished crowds that accompany it, but can some words from his advisers help him become a king the country can be proud of?