Stonehouse

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Broadcasts on ITV1 then full series drop on ITVX on Wednesday 4 January.

Stonehouse

Series overview:

Drama starring Matthew Macfadyen as the ambitious British politician who, in 1974, hatches an outlandish plan to disappear. Inspired by the extraordinary true story.

Episode 3:

With Wilson’s fate still on a knife edge and Barbara wondering if it’s worth saving her marriage, Stonehouse and Sheila go on trial to face the consequences of their actions.

***

After being released on bail, John Stonehouse moves back home. Barbara Stonehouse doesn’t trust her husband, but is desperate to keep the family together. Stonehouse tries to resist the urge to call Sheila Buckley, with contact being forbidden before and during the trial.

At the magistrate’s court, secret letters between the two are read. Barbara watches on from the gallery. The magistrate recommends the case go to the criminal court and, when Stonehouse gets home, Barbara has moved him into the spare room. He reminisces about simpler times, when he was a child in the Woodcraft Folk.

The Government’s situation is still precarious. Stonehouse has missed two votes in a week and delivers a controversial speech criticising the political status quo. Wilson reprimands him personally, in an unusually candid and bizarre exchange. Stonehouse returns home to see Barbara watching Alexander Marek on TV, giving an interview that may implicate him. He storms out.

After a night on a park bench, Stonehouse succumbs to seeing Sheila. He’s flummoxed when he finds out Harold Wilson has resigned. He resigns too and, after being enchanted by their demonstration in the street, joins the English National Party.

At the trial, Stonehouse elects to represent himself, despite the judge’s warning. This decision proves to be misguided. Stonehouse is forced to confront his mistakes - Barbara finally divorces him - and his mortality. Is he regretful?

Full cast (if applicable)

John Stonehouse - MATTHEW MACFADYEN
Sheila Buckley - EMER HEATLEY
Harold Wilson - KEVIN R. MCNALLY
Barbara Stonehouse - KEELEY HAWES 
Speaker at The House of Commons - SIMON GREENALL
Betty Boothroyd - DOROTHY ATKINSON
Civil Servant - CELIA ROBERTSON
Young Matthew Stonehouse - DAINTON ANDERSON
Jane Stonehouse - ORLA HILL
Julia Stonehouse - AOIFE CHECKLAND
Czech Government Official - BRIAN CASPE
Irena Bala    I - EVA ANDREJEVAITE
Alexander Marek - IGOR GRABUZOV
Bank Manager - ROBIN LAING
BAC Spokesman - JONATHAN RHODES
Charles Elwel - TIMOTHY WALKER
Harry Evans - WILL ADAMSDALE
Margaret Thatcher - DEVON BLACK
Cliff Michelmore - ALBERT WELLING
BBC Studio Manager - JOSHUA DIFFLEY
Chief Whip - BRYAN LAWRENCE
Assistant Bank Manager - TOMMY LETTS
Patient - RICHARD RYCROFT
Nurse - SAM YETUNDE
Mrs Carey - CATHERINE SKINNER
Mourner - LINDA ARMSTRONG
Desk Clerk - SAM LOCKWOOD
Matthew Stonehouse - ARCHIE BARNES
Airline Official - TRACEY VANESSA BROWN