Castles in the Sky

Anyone who knows anything about Eddie Izzard must know that he is a multi-talented force of nature. Comedic legend, marathon-oholic, linguistic connoisseur, and great actor. It wasn't really needed, but this new BBC Two factual drama reinforces that last one. Castles in the Sky tells the story of Robert Watson-Watt (played magnificently by Izzard) and his team, and how they struggled and strived to invent the first radar system, in time to defend their homes and loved ones against the Nazis during World War II.   

There's no point in mincing words, for me Eddie Izzard is by far and away the shining light of Castles in the Sky. Once again proving his superb acting ability, but this time also showing off his skill as a great character actor. With swarthy Scottish twang and effortless charm, he instantly injects huge amounts of life and heart into Robert Watson-Watt.

He was cocooned by a few other good performances. Watt's team were all a nice bunch of actors giving enough realism to a nice team of characters, favourites of mine including the lovely Welshman Celyn Jones as "Taffy" and Yorkshire man Joe Bone as Bell. 

Also we had a dependable performance from Julian Rhind-Tutt as Rowe, and a surprising but very welcome turn from Tim McInnerny as Winston Churchill.

For me there also were a couple of flat performances too. Laura Fraser as Watson-Watt's wife Margaret never really moved me at all. It was clear the effort she was putting in to match Izzard throughout, but I never really thought she worked on screen. Effort a plenty too was seen from old acting hand Alex Jennings as Henry Tizard, but sadly he was slightly out shone.

Casting and performances aside, this one-off drama was done in a pleasing and very sharp, individual style. The overall results were very pleasing to watch, similar to the type of historical fiction that we have come to expect from the BBC over the last few years. Nevertheless, their achievements with Castles in the Sky are not to be diminished, and I still congratulate them on a very enjoyable hour and a half of telly.