Casanova (2005 TV serial)
| Company type | Television miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Russell T Davies (writer), Sheree Folkson (director) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Television comedy-drama miniseries |
Casanova is a British television comedy-drama miniseries from 2005, penned by Russell T Davies and directed by Sheree Folkson. This three-episode production was created by Red Production Company for BBC Wales in collaboration with Granada Television. It initially aired on the digital channel BBC Three starting 13 March, with a subsequent broadcast on BBC One beginning 4 April.
Synopsis
The narrative explores the adventures of Giacomo Casanova, an 18th-century Italian figure, drawing upon his extensive twelve-volume memoirs. The older Casanova is portrayed by Peter O'Toole as he reminisces about his life, while David Tennant plays the younger version of the character. Supporting roles feature actors such as Rose Byrne, Rupert Penry-Jones, Matt Lucas, Shaun Parkes, Nina Sosanya, and Laura Fraser.
Cast
- David Tennant as Giacomo Casanova
- John Sandilands as Casanova at age 5
- Zachary Fox as Casanova at age 11
- Peter O'Toole as Casanova in his later years
- Tom Burke as Casanova aged 20
- James Holly as Casanova at 6 years old
- Brock Everitt Elwick as Casanova at 11 years old
- Laura Fraser as Henriette
- Rupert Penry-Jones as Grimani
- Nina Sosanya as Bellino
- Shaun Parkes as Rocco
- Rose Byrne as Edith
- Freddie Jones as Bragadi
- Glenna Morrison as Nanette Tosello
- Lucinda Raikes as Marta Tosello
Brief appearances are made by comedians Matt Lucas, Mark Heap, Simon Day, and Matthew Holness.
Production
Initially commissioned by Executive Producer Julie Gardner at London Weekend Television, part of Granada, the series was later taken up by Gardner upon her move to become Head of Drama at BBC Wales in 2003. She tasked Russell T Davies with writing the drama for the BBC and also appointed him chief writer and Executive Producer for Doctor Who, where David Tennant—who plays Giacomo here—was subsequently cast as the Tenth Doctor. Both productions were developed under Gardner's leadership at BBC Wales.
In the United States, the show was broadcast in two segments on 8 and 15 October 2006. Shortly afterward, the complete British version became available on DVD. The series was also shown in Australia on the ABC, similarly divided into two parts.
Reception
The series received favorable reviews from critics in both the UK and the US. The New York Times commended it for its "energetic tempo, warm-hearted nature, [and] infectious enjoyment," while The Guardian emphasized its "pleasantly amoral" approach and remarked on the cast's clear enthusiasm for their performances.
Home media
The DVD release occurred in the United Kingdom in May 2005 and later in the United States in October 2006.
External links
- Casanova on the Red Production Company website
- Casanova at the Masterpiece Theatre site