Going Postal
Theatrical characters, villains, heroes, a dash of sci-fi and fantasy -look no further than Terry Pratchett's Going Postal for sheer festive entertainment this year.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Programming, Reviews
Sprightly Victorian characters, a dash of sci-fi and plenty of fantasy -look no further than Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal for your festive entertainment this year.
This two part series airing on ABC is perfect family fare for those who have been raised on Harry Potter, Doctor Who and all things Tim Burton.
Richard Coyle plays arch-swindler Moist Von Lipwig who is spared the noose for his crimes by Lord Vetinari (Charles Dance) in exchange for running the local Post Office. It’s been closed for years while the good folk of Ankh-Morpork are forced to communicate via the high-tech Grand Trunk Clacks run by bloodthirsty tyrant Reacher Gilt (David Suchet). His monopoly operates via a series of towering lights that send messages via signal lamps.
A dusty Post Office that resembles a billowing dead letter office under the competition of electronic communications is a lovely metaphor for the world of e-mails versus the nostalgia of letter-writing.
To ensure the cheating Lipwig doesn’t do a runner, he is constantly shadowed by a clay-like robot known as Mr. Pump. He looks more like something from The Day The Earth Stood Still, but his character still shines through his impenetrable facade.
Then there is Adora Belle Dearheart (Claire Foy) whom Lipwig pursues -but there is more afoot in their relationship.
The characters and concepts combine to create a glorious world of theatrical characters where the performers relish the opportunity to let rip as villains, heroes and all manner of kooky supporting roles.
The production is also a feast for the eyes with splendid costumes and wrapped with an orchestral score.
Pratchett’s ability to create an imaginative world is matched by this two-part drama. Although it has previously aired in Australia on Pay TV, it’s a cracking Christmas cracker.
Going Postal airs 7:30pm Saturday December 17 and 24 on ABC1.
Share
- Tagged with Doctor Who, Going Postal
10 Responses
I loved it, though it was a bit slow – as these Pratchet telemovies all seem to be – & the weak spot for me was Richard Coyle who was badly cast as Lipwig. Clair Foy was stunning as Adora though as was her wardrobe.
I expected to see Harry Potter & co. emerge at any time!
Not enough of a story line to keep me interested, but great actors, set, etc. Hope it will improve.
Watched it tonight, and was hugely entertained. I will tune in next week. Plus, Adora Dearheart was simply scrumptious!
@Derek – nope, only just found out that it was on. Will watch it elsewhere.
One of my favourite books, I am just re reading it yet again, can’t wait to see the small screen treatment 🙂
Hey Secret Squirrel, hope you caught The Colour Of Magic Thursday and Friday middays on seven this week.
Gee Kryten from Red Dwarf has really let himself go.
Really looking fwd to this. Would like to see the others, too, especially The Colour of Magic and Hogfather (very appropriate for this time of year). The clay-like robot is a golem and is actually made of clay.
I have seen this a couple of times and I think its fantastic, a must see. Its also a great reflection and commont on the technology changes of the past, such as morse code, letters, carry a pigon, email and now social media. Its also a comment on one company dominating a particular market and what happens when someone moves in and competition gets ugly.
there is never a dull moment thoughtout and I would regard it as the best mini series I have ever seen .
So that’s where Myles from Home and Away went? (The one on the right.)