Eleanor Rising

Summary

A thrilling dramatic account of one of Europe's most extraordinary women, Eleanor of Aquitaine, based on historical fact, legend - and rumour. Wife and mother to a dynasty of kings, crusader, prisoner and formidable political operator, Eleanor of Aquitaine is a thoroughly modern woman, despite living almost 900 years ago. Intelligent, witty and independent, she is tough enough to forge her own destiny - and subtle enough to shape the world to her will. We first meet her at 15, when she has one ambition: to become Duchess and ruler of the Aquitaine, the richest province in France. But the men around her have other ideas. A young woman with so much power is too great a threat, so she is quickly married off to the heir to the throne, the devout, sexually repressed Dauphin. The wedding feast is barely over before she finds herself facing an imminent attack, a kidnap attempt and a midnight escape on horseback. Surviving to become Queen of France, she moulds her young husband into a fit King - but in wielding her influence, she makes powerful enemies, who are determined to bring her down. Yet somehow she manages to stay one step ahead, even as she embarks on a scandalous Crusade - and falls madly in love with another King, Henry II of England....  Written by award-winning dramatist Shaun McKenna, this epic drama stars Rose Basista as Eleanor, Cecilia Appiah as Petronilla, and Joel McCormack as the Dauphin. Written by Shaun McKenna Directed and produced by Marc Beeby and Gemma Jenkins Cast Eleanor - Rose Basista Petronilla - Cecilia Appiah Duke William - John Lightbody Archbishop Laroux/Theobald - Roger Ringrose Pierre - Luke Nunn The Dauphin - Joel McCormack Abbot Suger/Cardinal Yves - Carl Prekopp First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9-13 November 2020 (Series 1), 5-9 April 2021 (Series 2)

©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd