Top TV Picks
The Royal Opera House: The Reopening
BBC Four, Friday
Anita Rani, Katie Derham and Antonio Pappano introduce highlights of the Royal Opera House’s first music and dance performances after lockdown, featuring a world premiere from choreographer Wayne MacGregor, classic opera arias and song performed by Gerald Finley, Louise Alder, Toby Spence, David Butt Philip, Sarah Connolly and the Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker Young Artists, plus excerpts from ballets by Ashton, MacMillan and Wheeldon.
The Voice Kids
ITV, Saturday
Emma Willis presents the fourth series of junior singing contest, with newcomer Paloma Faith joining Will.i.am, Danny
Jones and Pixie Lott on the judging panel. Youngsters between the ages of seven and 14 display their musical talents in a bid to win a £30,000 prize to contribute to their musical education, along with a family holiday to Universal Orlando Resort.
British History’s Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley
BBC Two, Saturday
The Glorious Revolution Historian Lucy Worsley debunks the so-called Glorious
Revolution of 1688, when Dutch prince William of Orange invaded the British Isles and stole the throne from his father-in-law, King James II. It has since been described as a ‘glorious’ and ‘bloodless’ revolution. But given that it led to huge slaughter in Ireland and Scotland, how glorious was it really?
The Festival
Channel 4, Sunday
When Nick’s girlfriend dumps him at graduation, he has a colossal meltdown in front of the entire university. He’s convinced his life is over, but his best mate Shane has the perfect solution – three days at a music festival. With the help of ‘festival aficionado’ and certified oddball Amy, Shane tries to get Nick to embrace the music, the mayhem and the mud. Comedy, starring Joe Thomas, Hannah Tointon, Hammed Animashaun and Jemaine Clement.
Once Upon a Time in Iraq
BBC Two, Monday
War Documentary examining the realities of war and life under Isis, with unique personal archive from civilians and soldiers from both sides of the conflict.
As war began, many Iraqis were hopeful. Ahmed Al Bashir, now a renowned comedian, remembers practising his English with US troops before the realities of occupation became clear.
The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty
BBC Two, Tuesday
Three-part documentary about the media mogul’s influence on international politics and the power struggles within his own family. The first episode focuses on the build-up to the 1997 general election, where Rupert Murdoch had to decide if his business interests were best served by the continuation of John Major’s struggling government, or a new Labour leadership under Tony Blair. Eventually, the full force of his media empire is placed behind the rising Labour leader, but some question how high a price was paid. Elsewhere, Murdoch marries a woman 37 years younger than he is, dividing his children and jeopardising his plans to choose a successor.