
Brian and Maggie Press Pack
Category: Press PackWritten by RTS award-winner James Graham (Sherwood, Quiz, Brexit: The Uncivil War), and based on political editor and TV producer, Rob Burley’s book ‘Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV’, Brian and Maggie (previously Brian and Margaret w/t) is coming to Channel 4 on Wednesday 29th January.
Starring two-time Academy Award nominee Steve Coogan (The Reckoning, Philomena) as Brian Walden, the ‘much feared inquisitor’ and Harriet Walter (Succession, Ted Lasso, Silo) as prime minister Margaret Thatcher, Brian and Maggie is directed by Academy Award nominee and BAFTA-winning Stephen Frears (A Very English Scandal, Florence Foster Jenkins, Philomena) and produced by Baby Cow Productions, one of BBC Studios’ owned production labels, who also internationally distribute the series.
1989. When Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher came together for their last ever TV interview, little did they know they were about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time. The 45-minute showdown became a national talking point and helped set in train a series of events that ended with Margaret’s resignation. Afterwards, they never spoke again…
Episode Synopses
Episode 1 After resigning as a Labour MP, Brian Walden is poached by LWT to front a heavyweight political programme dedicated to the long-form interview. His first guest: Leader of the Opposition Margaret Thatcher. An unlikely friendship develops. As Margaret becomes the first British female prime minister and her power increases, the traditional red lines of journalist and politician become blurred. Is Brian choosing friendship over integrity? Is Margaret sharing too much?
Episode 2 All powerful after winning election after election, Margaret seems unstoppable. But her increasing unwillingness to listen or bend to her cabinet leads to trouble in the ranks. She turns to Brian to help promote her message. But Brian is also becoming less certain of her judgement. Further difficulty looms when respected Chancellor Nigel Lawson resigns, plunging Thatcher’s leadership into a crisis. Bad timing – she has an interview with Brian Walden in a couple of days. Never mind, she expects Brian can help her regain control of the narrative. After all, he’s a friend…isn’t he?
Cast & Crew Credits
Steve Coogan – Brian Walden & Executive producer
Harriet Walter – Margaret Thatcher & Executive producer
Paul Clayton – Bernard Ingham
Ross Armstrong – John Wakefield
Tom Mothersdale - David Cox
Emma Sidi – Sue Richardson
Karan Gill – Vinay Ahmed
Simon Paisley Day – Ian Gow
Paul Higgins – Geoffrey Howe
Nick Sampson – Alan Walters
Ivan Kaye – Nigel Lawson
James Fleet – Ronnie Millar
Victoria Evaristo – Pam
Veronique – Marcia Lecky
Oliver Devoti – Floor Manager
Dada Ashi – BAFTA Presenter
Harry Creffield – Children’s TV Clown
Stephen Frears – Director & Executive producer
James Graham – Writer & Creator
Sarah Monteith – Executive producer
Delyth Scudamore – Executive producer
Rupert Majendie – Executive producer
Dan Winch – Producer
Rob Burley – Associate producer & author of the book 'Why Is This Lying Bastard Lying To Me'