Today
Julius Caesar from Donmar Kings Cross BBC FOUR, 9.50PM
Anyone who is familiar with Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s dramatisation of the life and bloody death of the Roman general and statesman, knows that it is one of the most testosteronefuelled of the Bard’s plays, with just two small female parts. Which is what makes this all-female staging by Phyllida Lloyd ( Mamma Mia!, The Iron
Lady) extraordinarily bold. Filmed in a temporary theatre in King’s Cross, this version sees Rome swapped for a present-day women’s prison, which adds to the intensity, with a cast led by Harriet Walter as Brutus, ably supported by, among others, Jade Anouka, who gives a fine performance as a nervy and vulnerable Mark Antony. The result is a mischievously subversive take on such a traditionally virile play. Although it’s been filleted down to two hours, Lloyd’s production still has a fiery fluency that allows you to feel every word, and their intention, as the lust for power – and the fear of it – inform the action. The other two plays in the Donmar’s trilogy of all-female productions, The Tempest and Henry IV, will be available on the iPlayer after this ends. Clive Morgan
Poldark BBC ONE, 9.00PM
After last week’s high-stakes opener to series four of the Cornish period drama, things continue apace in episode two. Ross (Aidan Turner) and Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) attempt to save their marriage, while Hugh’s (Josh Whitehouse) failing health means that he may not be able to stand against Warleggan (Jack Farthing) in the election. CM