Watch Sheila Hancock: The Brilliant Brontë Sisters

Sheila Hancock: The Brilliant Brontë Sisters is a fascinating and insightful documentary that explores the lives and works of the iconic Brontë sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. Presented by the British actress Sheila Hancock and featuring interviews with leading Brontë expert Juliet Barker, this Acorn TV production offers a fresh perspective on one of the most celebrated literary families of all time.

Hancock, a respected actress with a long and illustrious career in theatre, television, and film, brings warmth and intelligence to her role as presenter. She is clearly passionate about the Brontës and their legacy, and her enthusiasm is infectious. Barker, meanwhile, is a formidable authority on the Brontës, having published several acclaimed books on their lives and works. Her expertise is evident throughout the programme, and she provides a wealth of fascinating insights and anecdotes that bring the sisters to life.

The series is divided into three episodes, one for each sister. In each episode, Hancock and Barker explore the life and work of the featured sister, providing plenty of context and background along the way. They visit key locations associated with the sisters, including Haworth Parsonage, where they grew up, and the moors that inspired their writing. They also examine original manuscripts and letters, shedding light on the creative process of each sister.

Charlotte Brontë is the subject of the first episode. Hancock and Barker explore her early life, including her unhappy experiences at the Clergy Daughters' School, which would later inspire her novel Jane Eyre. They also look at her relationship with her siblings, particularly her brother Branwell, who struggled with addiction and depression. The episode delves into the publication of Jane Eyre, which was a huge success and propelled Charlotte to literary stardom. More broadly, it examines the themes of social class, gender, and identity that run through Charlotte's work.

Emily Brontë is the focus of the second episode. Hancock and Barker investigate Emily's famously reclusive life, which was spent largely in the Haworth Parsonage with her siblings. They look at her relationships with her family and friends, including her close bond with her sister Anne. The episode explores Emily's only novel, Wuthering Heights, which is widely regarded as a masterpiece of English literature. Hancock and Barker examine the novel's themes of love, obsession, and revenge, as well as its unconventional structure and style.

The final episode is dedicated to Anne Brontë. Hancock and Barker discover the lesser-known aspects of Anne's life and work, which have often been overshadowed by her more famous siblings. They examine her novels Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which are notable for their feminist themes and social realism. The episode also delves into Anne's personal life, including her struggles with illness and her relationship with her brother Branwell.

Throughout the series, Hancock and Barker offer a compelling portrait of the Brontë sisters as complex and fascinating individuals, as well as brilliant writers. They consider the sisters' enduring legacy and the impact of their work on subsequent generations. The programme is interspersed with readings from the sisters' works, bringing their evocative prose to life.

Overall, Sheila Hancock: The Brilliant Brontë Sisters is a must-watch for fans of the Brontës or anyone interested in the history of English literature. Hancock and Barker make a great duo, bringing their respective talents to bear on a subject close to both their hearts. The documentary is both entertaining and insightful, and offers a new perspective on one of literature's most enduring families.