Kingdom

Kingdom is a British television series that originally aired on ITV starting in 2007. The show stars Stephen Fry as Peter Kingdom, a Norfolk-based solicitor dealing with quirky clients and personal drama. It received a solid initial reception, averaging around six million viewers per week during its first six-episode series, a respectable figure for a UK drama. Despite a mid-series dip in ratings, ITV executives were encouraged enough by the show's performance to commission a second series, which aired in early 2008, followed by a third series broadcast in mid-2009.

However, in October 2009, Stephen Fry announced via his blog that the series had been cancelled by ITV due to tighter budgets and the network prioritizing more expensive productions. While Kingdom was never a massive hit, it garnered a loyal fan base appreciative of its gentle humor, character-driven storytelling, and pastoral setting. Over time, Kingdom's reputation has grown as viewers and critics reflect on its unique blend of warmth, wit, and Stephen Fry's distinctive performance.

Today, Kingdom is often regarded as an underrated gem in British television. It may not have the broad acclaim of some contemporaries, but it maintains a dedicated following and is fondly remembered for its charm and character depth rather than being seen as a dated relic. Its status as a cult favorite among fans of British drama and Stephen Fry's work continues to hold strong.

Main Cast of Kingdom

Stephen Fry played the role of Peter Kingdom in the British TV series 'Kingdom,' which aired from 2007 to 2009. In the show, he portrayed a charming and somewhat eccentric solicitor running a small practice in a fictional town in Norfolk. This role fit well into Fry's overall career, showcasing his talent for combining wit, warmth, and complexity in character portrayals beyond the comedic and literary roles for which he was widely known. What made this performance stand out was Fry's ability to embrace a more grounded and dramatic character while retaining his signature humor and intelligence, demonstrating versatility that contrasted with his earlier work such as hosting 'QI' or his performances in comedic duos and adaptations of classic literature.

Celia Imrie played the role of Mrs. Flower in the British TV series 'Kingdom,' which aired from 2007 to 2009. In the show, she portrayed the eccentric and somewhat mysterious housekeeper to the main character, Peter Kingdom, a solicitor in a small Norfolk town. This role showcases her adeptness at blending comedy and drama, contributing a quirky charm to the series that balanced the show's legal and emotional storylines. Compared to her earlier or more widely recognized work—often characterized by more overtly comedic roles in productions like 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' or 'Calendar Girls'—her performance in 'Kingdom' stood out as a subtler, nuanced turn that underscored her versatility as an actress. It allowed her to inhabit a grounded, yet whimsically idiosyncratic character, demonstrating her ability to enrich ensemble casts with depth and warmth.

Fans of Karl Davies will appreciate his role in the TV series 'Kingdom' as it showcases his versatility and depth as an actor, portraying a complex character navigating personal and professional challenges in a small community setting. This role differs from his most iconic performance as Sean Anderson in 'Life on Mars,' where he played a more contemporary and edgy character involved in crime drama. An interesting detail about his character in 'Kingdom' is that Davies immersed himself in the local culture by spending time in the filming locations to accurately capture the nuances of his character's background and accent, adding authenticity to his performance.

Fans of Tony Slattery would enjoy his role in the TV series 'Kingdom' as it showcases his versatility beyond his more famous comedic performances, most notably his iconic role as Lionel Bainbridge in the improvisational comedy series 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'. In 'Kingdom', Slattery plays a character with a more dramatic and nuanced persona, allowing fans to appreciate his range as an actor. An interesting detail is that Slattery's character in 'Kingdom' was initially conceived with a different background, but was adapted to better suit Slattery's unique style and depth, highlighting the producers' confidence in his ability to bring complexity to the role.

Hermione Norris played a leading role in the TV series 'Kingdom,' portraying the character Beatrice Kingdom, the strong-willed and complex matriarch of the Kingdom family. Her performance was widely praised for its depth and emotional nuance, bringing a compelling blend of vulnerability and strength to the role that resonated with audiences and critics alike. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to convey the internal conflicts and moral dilemmas of her character with subtlety and authenticity, adding a rich layer to the family drama. A lesser-known fact about Hermione's involvement in 'Kingdom' is that she contributed ideas to her character's wardrobe, collaborating closely with the costume designers to ensure that Beatrice's style reflected her personality and the show's setting, enhancing the storytelling in a visual way.

Dominic Mafham played the character of Peter Kingdom in the TV series "Kingdom," which aired from 2007 to 2009. Peter Kingdom is a traditional, somewhat conservative solicitor working in a small town, whose legal practice often involves intriguing, character-driven cases. This role marked a significant point in Mafham's career, showcasing his ability to embody a nuanced, complex character leading a series. Unlike some of his earlier supporting roles in films and television, his portrayal of Peter Kingdom allowed him to take center stage and engage audiences with both dramatic and lighter moments. The performance stood out because it balanced warmth, authority, and subtle humor, highlighting Mafham's range and depth as an actor, which contributed to expanding his recognition beyond supporting roles to leading parts in British television drama.

Crew of Kingdom