Review of Wolf Hall, Episode 1.

The long-awaited dramatisation of Hilary Mantel's novel was finally broadcast and I thought that episode one was an impressive start to the drama series. They kept true to the storyline of the book and episode one focusses on the events leading up to and just after Cardinal Wolsey’s fall.

There are flashbacks of Cromwell’s early life with his violent dad and there is even a very interesting moment when he comes face to face with him as an adult - not sure if I remember this scene in the book, was this in the book, or has this been added into the drama? The episode also shows the happy home life he had with his wife and two daughters before they were all tragically taken away by the Sweating Sickness.

I’m not too sure about Catherine of Aragon’s portrayal in this. She appears briefly, making the speech of her life at Blackfriars, but to be fair, it’s only a brief appearance and I haven’t seen enough of her yet in this to make a judgement.

Anne Boleyn’s portrayal is very similar to the book – mysterious, different from the other ladies of the court, a bit haughty and pronounces Cromwell’s name in a French accent. It is yet another interesting interpretation of Anne out of the many different interpretations of her in Historical Fiction.

I think Mark Rylance’s portrayal of Cromwell has been very good so far. Even though the story is about him, he did very well in showing how he’s more of an observer in this story in what’s going on around him. He’s a very quiet, determined, but strong character and like the man in the book (and in non-fiction) we know very little about where he’s come from and his background. Now and then, you get the odd piece of information, a memory of things that happened before in his life.

It’s the first time I have seen Rafe Sadler portrayed in a drama too. I think they did pick the right actor for the part - he does look a bit like the real Rafe. The scene when Cromwell’s daughter decides that she wants to marry Rafe is very touching!

There definitely seemed to be a lot of attention to detail in the scenes and the costumes. Even in the way they filmed it with the use of candlelight made it quite realistic. They obviously did seem to go out of their way to try and make it as accurate as possible to the 16th century.

Overall, I was very impressed with the first episode and believe that they did a very good job in bringing the book to life. Definitely looking forward to episode 2!

Image - Anne Boleyn (Claire Foy) and Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance), Wolf Hall.