Black Tudors, Activists and Midwives: When Historical Fact Meets Historical Fiction
Channel: British Library
Date: 2021-05-21

It is a truth universally unacknowledged that most people come to history through fiction. From films and theatre to novels and video games, histories are everywhere. But turning historical fact into historical fiction comes with an ocean of challenges. How do storytellers navigate these stormy waters? Is it possible to be historically authentic and commercially appealing? And why are there so many Jane Austen adaptations?

In this fascinating panel discussion, we bring together leading storytellers, performers and historians to explore the complicated world of historical fiction. The event is chaired by novelist and academic Professor Sunny Singh, and panellists include historian and historical consultant Dr Jacqueline Riding (Peterloo), journalist, stage and screenwriter Juliet Gilkes Romero (The Whip), Catherine Johnson (Freedom, screen adaptation of Black Tudors) and actor, author and science communicator Stephen McGann (Call the Midwife).