Knights of Classic Drama at the BBC

The BBC delves into its archives to discover British acting greats as they take their first tentative steps on the road to success. Long before they were knighted for their services to drama, we see early appearances from Michael Caine in a rare Shakespearean role, Ben Kingsley, Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon. Featuring unique behind-the-scenes footage alongside a wealth of classic British productions like War and Peace, the Mayor of Casterbridge and the Singing Detective, it reveals many career-defining moments from the first generation of acting talent to fully embrace television drama.

Full Cast of Knights of Classic Drama at the BBC

Michael Caine as Self (archive footage)

Michael Caine

Self (archive footage)
Ben Kingsley as Self (archive footage)

Ben Kingsley

Self (archive footage)
Ian McKellen as Self (archive footage)

Ian McKellen

Self (archive footage)
Derek Jacobi as Self (archive footage)

Derek Jacobi

Self (archive footage)
Michael Gambon as Self (archive footage)

Michael Gambon

Self (archive footage)
David Tennant as Narrator

David Tennant

Narrator