The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching
Programmes
Mozart’s Requiem from ENO The English National Opera performs Mozart’s choral masterpiece in a special broadcast from the Coliseum, presented by soprano Danielle de Niese. Sat 14 Nov, BBC2 19:00 (60mins).
Small Axe Much-anticipated series of five films by Steve McQueen, inspired by the experiences of London’s West Indian community. The first, Mangrove, tells the true story of the Notting Hill restaurant that became a hub of activism in the 1970s and a target of police raids. Sun 15 Nov, BBC1 21:00 (130mins).
Ronnie’s: Ronnie Scott and his WorldFamous Jazz Club A celebration of the legendary jazz club and the saxophonist who founded it over 60 years ago, featuring interviews with many who played there, including Quincy Jones and Georgie Fame. Sun 15 Nov, BBC4 21:00 (105mins).
The Night Notre-Dame Burned Helmet-cam and drone footage bring visceral immediacy to this Storyville documentary about the fire that ravaged the cathedral in April 2019. There are also moving interviews with some of the firefighters who fought the blaze. Mon 16 Nov, BBC4 21:00 (90mins).
Films
Easter Parade (1948) Classic musical starring Fred Astaire as the dancer out to make a star of Judy Garland. Worth it for Irving Berlin’s score alone, which includes We’re a Couple of Swells. Sat 14 Nov, BBC2 15:15 (100mins).
Journey’s End (2017) Poignant adaptation of R.C. Sherriff’s classic play about a young officer arriving at the Western Front in 1918, joining a company in the command of an old friend. Sat 14 Nov, BBC2 21:00 (100mins).
Shoplifters (2018) Palme d’Or-winning Japanese drama about an impoverished family of petty criminals whose lives are changed when they take a little girl into their home. Mon 16 Nov, Film4 23:10 (140mins).
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010) Andy Serkis won acclaim for his portrayal of Ian Dury in this biopic of the mercurial singer-songwriter. Wed 18 Nov, BBC4 22:00 (110mins).
New to Netflix
The Crown Season four of the royal drama opens at the end of the 1970s, as new PM Margaret Thatcher (played by Gillian Anderson) takes office. The series will also see Lady Diana Spencer join the Firm. From Sun 15 Nov.
Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta? New true crime four-part documentary about the notorious unsolved case of a woman found dead at her home in a gated community in Buenos Aires.