| Language: | English |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Director: | Zara Hayes |
| Num Series: | 1 |
| Num Episodes: | 5 |
| Network: | BBC One |
| Last Aired: | present |
Showtrial is a British legal drama television series created by Ben Richards and starring Tracy Ifeachor and Céline Buckens.[1] The five-part first series aired on BBC One from October to November 2021 and starred Tracy Ifeachor and Céline Buckens. Two years later, it was announced that Showtrial had been developed into an anthology format and that a second series had been ordered, starring a new cast.
The first series received a mixed reception from critics. The writing, pace and lack of subtlety received criticism from reviewers. However, the format, dramatic scenes and Buckens' acting was praised. Buckens was also nominated for various accolades for her portrayal of Talitha Campbell, including the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress and the International Emmy Award for Best Actress.[2]
Talitha Campbell, the arrogant daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur Sir Damian Campbell, is arrested following the disappearance of fellow student, Hannah Ellis, the hard-working daughter of a single mother. From Talitha's arrest to the jury's final verdict, Showtrial switches between both sides of the legal battle, as defence and prosecution fight for their version of what really happened to Hannah, and the truth about Talitha: was she falsely accused or is she a callous murderer?[1] [3]
High-profile climate activist Marcus Calderwood is left to die in a violent hit and run and uses his dying moments to identify his killer: a serving policeman. It explores the worlds of cocky officer Justin Mitchell, anxious defence solicitor Sam Gill and Leila Hassoun-Kenny, a rigorous lawyer leading the case against the accused.[4]
BBC One commissioned Showtrial in 2019 as a five-part miniseries.[13] [14] Principal photography began in April 2021 in Bristol,[15] including at the University of Bristol.[16] Two years after the series had aired, it was announced that the BBC had decided to develop Showtrial into an anthology series. They ordered a second series that commences filming in November 2023 in Belfast. Series creator and writer Ben Richards said: "I am very grateful to the BBC for the opportunity to explore another sensational trial which I hope will be just as entertaining as our first outing. I love writing Showtrial and I'm honoured to have a cast of such high quality to deliver it."[17]
For her role as Talitha, Céline Buckens was nominated for Best Actress at the TV Choice Awards,[18] as well as being nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress[19] and the International Emmy Award for Best Actress.[20]
The Guardian felt that Showtrials first series had a lot going on that made it hard for the reviewer to keep up with the premise of the show. However, they were drawn in by the mystery of the case and wanted to watch to the end.[21] The Independent praised its cinematography and filming style, describing it as "more energetic and stylish than we are used to from" the BBC.[22] They also commended Tracy Ifeachor's portrayal of a solicitor. However, they felt that the dialogue was not gripping. Radio Times gave the series two stars out of a possible five as they felt that Showtrial was not subtle enough. They found that the social commentary scenes "leap out of the screen and whack you over the head" and that some of the acting was more suited to a stage production, noting Sinéad Keenan as the "worst offender" who has a "near-comical venom and channels a Lex Luthor-esque evil genius".[23] Although they also criticised Richard's writing, Radio Times enjoyed the scenes between Buckens and Ifeachor, describing them as "campy fun".
The Times described it as "great".[24] The Evening Standard described Showtrial as a "fresh, considered spin on the usual crime procedural tropes" and commended Buckens' acting abilities for making Talitha "compellingly awful".[25] They noted that the format of the show slowed down the pace of the storytelling, but felt that the slow burn aspect made it a rewarding watch. The Week also commended Buckens' acting and wrote that she "steals the show" with her "mesmerising performance" as Talitha. They also enjoyed the "composed, intriguing, layered" drama throughout the first series.