WTW – what to watch this week
The Year Britain Stopped
Channel 4, Monday 24 May at 9 pm
This documentary examines the personal stories of Brits during lockdown. The feature will include an interview with the nurse who treated Boris Johnson when he was in intensive care. Scientists, and a mother whose son went missing just as the country first went into lockdown, also feature.
The Black American Fight for Freedom
BBC Two, Wednesday 26 May at 9 pm
Fifty years on from the promise of equality and the Civil Rights Act, this programme puts America’s failed moments in the movement for equality under the microscope. It features interviews with those at the front of the fight for fair housing, equal education and a representative criminal justice system. Investigating specific rulings and policies, it asks why the effort to bridge the gap has taken so long?
Nail Bomber: Manhunt
Netflix, Wednesday 26 May
This documentary looks at the devastating 1999 London bombings that targeted Black, Bangladeshi and gay communities. From his first attack to his trial, the documentary follows the manhunt for far-right extremist David Copeland and tells the story of communities putting grief and fear aside to put Copeland in prison for his crimes.
Food and femininity in 19th-century France
The National Gallery, Thursday 27 May at 1 pm
Why were impressionist paintings likened to melting ice cream? Dr Allison Deutsch, a fellow at the University of London and an art historian, hosts this online discussion to explore why impressionist artists, including Monet and Pissarro, faced allegations that they used food products to create their works of art instead of paint, from melting ice-cream to butter. Some female artists were even told their work resembled that of rotting meat from a butcher. Now, Dr Deutsch offers a fresh perspective on those contemporary critiques. Register for this free online talk here.
The £50 note: old and new
Bank of England, Thursday 27 May at 6 pm
Kirsty Parsons, Bank of England museum curator, takes the audience on a journey exploring the history of the £50 note. This will be followed by Sarah John, chief cashier, discussing the Bank’s newest note, featuring the father of modern computer science, Alan Turing. Register for this free online talk here.
The Road to Partition
BBC One, Thursday 27 May at 9 pm
On 22 June 1921, King George V and Queen Mary arrived in Belfast for the official opening of the first Northern Ireland parliament. Fearful for their lives, they had entered a city consumed by bitter sectarian conflict. This timely two-part documentary explores the political brinkmanship and bitter violence that led to the partition of Ireland 100 years on.
Blue Miracle
Netflix, Thursday 27 May
Based on a true story, Foster Dad Omar and his fostered kids enter a lucrative fishing competition for a cash prize after a hurricane devastates their home and threatens their orphanage with bankruptcy. He and three of his ‘least annoying orphans’ team up with a ‘washed-up’ boat captain (played by Dennis Quaid) to claim first place.
8bit
Royal Opera House, Available to stream until Sunday 30 May
Eight newly-commissioned experimental experiences will all be available to stream online. They feature eight short ‘bits’ of digital opera, as five innovative contemporary composers join forces for five films, including a piece entitled Heal You, which offers a raw commentary on Covid-19 vaccinations. Expect a well-loved repertory, delivered in a way unseen before. Stream the online performance on-demand here.