Christmas TV: the best culture shows to watch, from The Magic Flute to Dolly Parton: Here I Am – iNews

CultureTVThere's also In Search Of Dracula with Mark Gatiss, the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary performance and Liam Gallagher: As It Was

Friday, 6th December 2019, 3:02 pm

Christmas means two things in my house: an endless supply of pigs in blankets and the TV is constantly on. Often the schedules are chock-a-block with reruns of old specials and films youve seen a hundred times already, but if you look hard enough there are some real gems to be found.

This year will be no different, with the BBC, ITV, Netflix, Channel 4 and Channel 5 all broadcasting brand new dramas, comedy specials, documentaries, family programmes and culture must-sees.

Here are the best culture shows to watch on TV this Christmas and New Year.

i's TV newsletter: what you should watch next

In Search Of Dracula with Mark Gatiss

Friday 3 January, 10:35pm, BBC Two

As a companion piece to BBC Ones dramatic adaptation of Bram Stokers Dracula, executive producer and writer of the series Mark Gatiss fronts this documentary following the worlds most famous vampire from page to screen. Starting at the Slovakian Orava Castle made famous by 1922 movie Nosferatu, Gatiss finds himself travelling to the British Library and Philadelphia as well as meeting actors who have played the Count in an effort to understand why the character is so popular.

Romeo and Juliet: Beyond Words

New Years Day, 5:30pm, BBC Two

The BBC and The Royal Ballet have teamed up to create this spectacular take on Shakespeares well-known tragedy combining ballet, theatre, film and music. A young cast of dancers perform Sir Kenneth MacMillans original choreography on location accompanied by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera Houses rendition of Prokofievs enchanting score.

Les Miserables 25th Anniversary

Sunday 22 December, 5pm, Sky Arts

In 2010 an all-star cast performed Les Miserables to a sold-out crowd at Londons O2 Arena. This Christmas, Sky Arts are giving you the chance to relive the magic of the special anniversary shows starring Nick Jonas, Matt Lucas, Lea Salonga, and Alfie Boe - a treat for those who are more familiar with the Hollywood film version released two years later.

Liam Gallagher: As It Was

Sunday 29 December, 10:15pm, BBC Two

The Magic Flute

Christmas Day, 7pm, BBC Four

Recorded at this years Glyndebourne Festival, opera fans shouldnt miss this staging of Mozarts The Magic Flute. Barbe & Doucet are on directing and designing duty, while the score is provided by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment led by conductor Ryan Wigglesworth.

Celebrity Portrait Artist of the Year 2019

Tuesday 17 December, 8pm, Sky Arts

Mark Gatiss has been a busy man in the lead up to Christmas - as well as creating Dracula and fronting a documentary about the vampire, hes also one of the celebrities taking part in this years celebrity painting competition. Hes joined by comedian Jenny Eclair, actor James Fleet, Strictly dropout Anneka Rice and star of Judy Fenella Woolga.

Dolly Parton: Here I Am

Christmas Day, 8:30pm, BBC Two

Country superstar Dolly Parton is more candid and authentic than ever before in this feature-length documentary from Bafta-winning Francis Whately. She opens up about feminism, her most personal lyrics and her 50-year career, making this a must-watch for anyone who calls themselves not only a fan of Dolly, but music in general.

The Decade the Music Died

Friday 27 December, 9pm, Sky Arts

The 2010s have been a boom time for music, but weve also lost some of the greatest stars the world has ever produced. This documentary remembers those no longer around to recall their masterpieces themselves including Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Prince, Whitney Houston and George Michael. Quite a list, indeed.

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Christmas TV: the best culture shows to watch, from The Magic Flute to Dolly Parton: Here I Am - iNews

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero