We're big fans of anything with Sheridan Smith in it, and sometimes it feels like we've rinsed her whole back catalogue of programmes. From The Cage to I Fought The Law (and how can we forget Cilla?!), we really have seen them all.
But if you're looking for something to stream this weekend, how about revisiting one of her stellar performances from years gone by, including 2012's Mrs Biggs? The mini-series was applauded at the time for its compelling storyline and brilliant performances, and is still available to stream for free.
What is Mrs Biggs about?
The official synopsis reads, "Sheridan Smith stars in a BAFTA-winning turn as ordinary girl turned gangster's moll, Charmian Biggs, whose husband took part in the Great Train Robbery of ’63."
The drama tells the true story of Charmian Powell and Ronald Biggs, one of the criminals involved in The Great Train Robbery of 1963. For better or worse, Charmain fell in love with him - and was willing to sacrifice whatever it took as a result. Rather than the robbery itself, the series looks at the impact his crimes had on their family life, and the personal cost of his behaviour.
Who's in the Mrs Biggs cast?
As well as Sheridan Smith winning an actual BAFTA for Best Leading Actress in 2013 for her performance, the rest of the cast is also stellar. Daniel Mays, who you'll know for everything from Line of Duty to Des, and most recently, Believe Me, gives an excellent performance as Ronald Biggs. The rest of the cast includes:
- Caroline Goodall as Muriel Powell (Charmian's mother)
- Adrian Scarborough as Bernard Powell (Charmian's father)
- Tom Brooke as Mike Haynes
- Jay Simpson as Bruce Reynolds
- Claire Rushbrook as Ruby Wright
- Jack Lowden as Alan Wright
- Leo Gregory as Eric Flower
- Iain McKee as Charlie Wilson
- Matthew Cullum as Buster Edwards
- Jon Foster as Gordon Goody
- Ron Cook as Peter
- Denise Roberts as Annie Pitcher
- Phil Cornwell as Detective Sergeant Jack Slipper
Where can you watch Mrs Biggs?
The five-part series is now streaming for free on ITVX. Each episode is around an hour long, making it the perfect evening viewing - or even weekend binge-watch if you're keen for a day on the sofa.
What are the reviews of Mrs Biggs like?
As well as Sheridan winning her category, Mrs Biggs was also nominated for Best Mini-Series and Best Costume Design at the 2013 ceremony, so it's safe to say people were big fans of the show.
At the time it came out, The Guardian said, "Mrs Biggs was great, with fine performances from Sheridan Smith and Daniel Mays as Mrs and Mr (Ronnie) Biggs, and especially from Adrian Scarborough as her terrifying Victorian dad."
The Times described it as an "immensely enjoyable drama series", adding, "Mrs Biggs may be a selective and sanitised version of the facts, but thanks to the charm of the protagonists, the quality of the acting and the excitement of the story it makes wonderful drama."
Consider us hooked!
