Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials – an 'engaging' documentary
The actor delves into the chilling history behind witch hunts

Suranne Jones thinks it's about time the term "witch trials" got a "rebrand". Given that the bulk of people executed were of course women, not witches, she argues their plight should be renamed.
"She's right but I can't see it happening," said Carol Midgley in The Times. "'Women trials' doesn't have quite the same touristy ring."
Channel 4's two-part documentary, "Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials", sees the actor examine how women throughout history have been labelled as witches and the shocking abuse they have faced as a result.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Growing up near Pendle in Lancashire – the site of the notorious witch trials of 1612 – Jones has always been fascinated by witches. She explores the "horrific culmination of a chain of events" that led to the hanging of 10 innocent people (eight of them women), before delving into the historical context. A witchcraft-obsessed, paranoid James I had become king of England and helping to hunt down witches became a way to secure his favour.
The "awfulness" of the women's persecution is "well conveyed", said Anita Singh in The Telegraph, and Jones is an "engaging" presenter. It's refreshing to see a celebrity with an authentic interest in the topic, rather than someone "going through the motions".
Any preconceived ideas you might have had about the show probably didn't include Jones and singer Natasha Khan, who performs as Bat for Lashes, "communicating with one another in wolf howls" as they react against the years of silencing women have faced and try to get in touch with their witchy side.
"It got a bit woo-woo when Khan produced her own tarot-type cards", said Midgley in The Times, but Jones looked like she was having fun, and her visit to Pendle Hill to take part in a healing night ceremony that honoured the executed "witches" was rather "touching".
Jones is a compelling host, said Lucy Mangan in The Guardian, adding moments of "humour and personal touches" throughout the programme. The audience has to "sit through some guff" from "modern practitioners" of witchcraft but thankfully it's "kept to a minimum".
The documentary "doesn't get everything right". Namely, it seems to "float the notion" that because some women today are choosing to embrace the "witch" label, misogyny must be tapering off. "But it is a programme that makes you think. Smash some furniture, and think."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Irenie Forshaw is a features writer at The Week, covering arts, culture and travel. She began her career in journalism at Leeds University, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Gryphon, before working at The Guardian and The New Statesman Group. Irenie then became a senior writer at Elite Traveler, where she oversaw The Experts column.
-
Bookish: delightful period detective drama from Mark Gatiss
The Week Recommends 'Cosy crime' series is a 'standout pleasure' in an Agatha Christie-style formula
-
While away a balmy evening under the stars at these pop-up screenings
The Week Recommends While away a balmy summer evening under the stars at these pop-up screenings
-
Crisis? What crisis? How Lionesses made the Euros final against the odds
Amid injuries and questions about form, England's women are one step away from glory
-
Food trails are the best trails. Eat your way across the US with these 7 regional food journeys.
The Week Recommends Take a bite out of the United States
-
Keep the fun going with these 7 subscription gift boxes
The Week Recommends Bring the party to their mailbox
-
Salt Lake City is coolest in summer not winter
The Week Recommends Hang out in the Maven District and bike your way around town
-
Yes, you can be outside this summer and avoid ticks. These are the tips to know.
The Week Recommends Don't get ticked off
-
Pals and loved ones always on the move? These are the gifts to give the constant travelers in your life.
The Week Recommends The best trip is the one that lives on and on
-
The best TV shows based on movies
The Week Recommends A handful of shows avoid derivative storytelling and craft bold narrative expansions
-
Bellagio: glitz and glamour on the Las Vegas Strip
The Week Recommends Find la dolce vita in the Nevada desert at this luxurious hotel
-
At these 6 gnarly spots, both surfers and onlookers can catch a wave
The Week Recommends Be a (sort of) part of the action