![A discovery of WITCHES A discovery of WITCHES](https://cdn.magzter.com/1390991279/1718691200/articles/wzClEDEDs1718704180661/A-DISCOVERY-OF-WITCHES.jpg)
SURANNE JONES: INVESTIGATING WITCH TRIALS
SUNDAY, 9PM, C4 FACTUAL (BOX SET, CHANNEL 4)
Suranne Jones has long been fascinated by the idea of witches. So the BAFTA-winning actor is pleased to be exploring the subject in more detail as she fronts her first TV documentary.
Beginning on C4 this week, two-parter Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials sees the Gentleman Jack and Vigil star look at how accusations of witchcraft have left a legacy that has affected women throughout the ages.
Suranne’s journey of discovery takes her from the Lancashire district of Pendle – not far from her birthplace of Oldham in Greater Manchester – to Germany and Massachusetts.
Here, Suranne, 45, shares her findings…
Why did you want to make this docuseries, Suranne?
I’ve always loved literature on folklore, fairy tales, witches and vampires – the more powerful characters that have dark sides or are misunderstood.
I always wanted to play the witch when I was younger rather than a princess. Then, when I got married, my husband [writer and producer Laurence Akers] was always saying, ‘Is that another witch book you’re reading?’ So when we started our production company [Team-Akers Productions], he said, ‘Why don’t we do a documentary?’ and he wrote a brilliant treatment for it! Our target was to make it of modern-day relevance.
You start by delving into the 1612 Pendle witch trials, which were held at Lancaster Castle and led to eight women and two men being sentenced to death. Growing up nearby, were you already aware of this story?
Yes, when you’re from that area, it’s something you know about, and we talked about it within the family. I probably didn’t realise when I was younger, but then certainly, as you come into your teenage years, you understand the weight of it.
This story is from the June 22, 2024 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 22, 2024 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Hello Julie... - GOODBYE MAX! Hello Julie... - GOODBYE MAX!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/VktBC66by1739261884261/HELLO-JULIE-GOODBYE-MAX.jpg)
Hello Julie... - GOODBYE MAX!
A familiar face returns, while another resident leaves the street 111111
![Seeking JUSTICE Seeking JUSTICE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/2H8UpWecS1739260722302/SEEKING-JUSTICE.jpg)
Seeking JUSTICE
With the sixth series of Unforgotten airing now, a new docuseries looks at the work of real cold-case detectives
![Live and DEATH! Live and DEATH!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/6uisC2wuM1739262028349/LIVE-AND-DEATH.jpg)
Live and DEATH!
In a special week for Walford, an explosion rocks The Vic, with fatal consequences...
![POWER games POWER games](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/BVxu4DOuh1739261078563/POWER-GAMES.jpg)
POWER games
ROBERT DE NIRO on playing a troubled former President in a political thriller
![Fighting SPIRIT Fighting SPIRIT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/It5Z8iIxT1739259744277/FIGHTING-SPIRIT.jpg)
Fighting SPIRIT
ANITA DOBSON on her guest turn in the fictional village of Kembleford
![PARADISE lost PARADISE lost](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/687sKTqzI1739260530593/PARADISE-LOST.jpg)
PARADISE lost
MICHELLE MONAGHAN, AIMEE LOU WOOD and NATASHA ROTHWELL on the latest series of the hit murder mystery
![No place like HOME No place like HOME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/H9GUzQbJW1739260945368/NO-PLACE-LIKE-HOME.jpg)
No place like HOME
What to expect from the beloved bear's latest blockbuster
![The decision is YOURS The decision is YOURS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/V8vGpXJFl1739259492774/THE-DECISION-IS-YOURS.jpg)
The decision is YOURS
DIANE PARISH on a soap love triangle like no other
![Phil's dark DECISION Phil's dark DECISION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/DhA-4DCkf1739262263090/PHILS-DARK-DECISION.jpg)
Phil's dark DECISION
Linda makes a shock discovery about her friend and neighbour...
![Noah in DANGER Noah in DANGER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5483/1990073/-bOAeXv6R1739262514700/NOAH-IN-DANGER.jpg)
Noah in DANGER
Charity's lad has been drugged... but whodunnit?