Cleopatras, The (BBC-2 1983 with Michelle Newell and Richard Griffiths)

Period drama serial. The lives of the various Cleopatras (actually of Greek descent) who ruled over Egypt from 145bc – 35 bc.

The Cleopatras came in for a huge amount of ridicule and caused quite a degree of controversy on it’s original broadcast with it’s ample nudity. Series creator Philip Mackie had done a similar job on Roman history with his earlier serial The Caesars.

production details
UK / BBC Two / 8×50 minute episodes / 1983 19 January – 9 March 1983

Writer: Philip Mackie / Music: Nick Bicat / Producer: Guy Slater

cast
MICHELLE NEWELL as Cleopatra
RICHARD GRIFFITHS as Pot Belly
ELIZABETH SHEPHERD as Cleopatra II
CAROLINE MORTIMER as Cleopatra Thea
SUE HOLDERNESS as Cleopatra IV
AMANDA BOXER as Cleopatra Tryphaena
PRUE CLARKE as Cleopatra Selene
PAULINE MORAN as Cleopatra Berenike
CHRISTOPHER NEAME as Mark Antony
ROBERT HARDY as Julius Caesar
FRANCESCA GONSHAW as Arsinoe
IAN McNEICE as Alexander
JOHN ARNATT as Sophron

THE EPISODES
1. ALEXANDRIA, 145 BC
2. 128 BC
3. 115 BC
4. 100 BC
5. 80 BC
6. 51 BC
7. 46 BC
8. 35 BC

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.