Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials – an 'engaging' documentary
The actor delves into the chilling history behind witch hunts
![Suranne Jones standing in front of a hawthorn tree, Burnley, Lancashire.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vmwBLt5ibhe7FavmeVfPEH-415-80.png)
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.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
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."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
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.
-
Donald Sutherland: brilliant Canadian actor overlooked by the Oscars
In the Spotlight The actor was best known for performances in 'M*A*S*H', 'Don't Look Now' and 'The Hunger Games'
By The Week UK Published
-
First-past-the-post: time for electoral reform?
Talking Point If smaller parties win votes but not seats, the 2024 election could be a turning point for proportional representation
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: June 30, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Federer: Twelve Final Days – adoring film about the tennis legend
The Week Recommends The Swiss maestro is explored further in this 'must-watch' documentary
By The Week UK Published
-
The Bikeriders: Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy star in high-octane drama
The Week Recommends Film inspired by 1968 book about notorious biker gang in Chicago
By The Week UK Published
-
My Father's Fable: 'gripping' family drama that 'keeps you guessing' to the end
The Week Recommends Faith Omole's debut play explores complex relationships with 'flair'
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
I Am: Celine Dion – a 'raw, heartbreaking and deeply moving' documentary
The Week Recommends Prime Video's film chronicles the singer's 17-year battle with stiff person syndrome
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
The only TV show you need to watch this election year
The Week Recommends Amazon Prime's 'The Boys' relishes its ripped-from-the-headlines ultraviolence
By David Faris Published
-
The best lakeside getaways in Europe
The Week Recommends These tranquil lakes offer a quieter alternative to their coastal neighbours
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Where to safely vacation in the Caribbean during hurricane season
The Week Recommends Head to the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
9 recipes to cook (or not cook) during the hot summer months
The Week Recommends Freshness and ease are where it's at from July through September
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published