'A Very British Murder with Lucy Worsley: A Taste for Blood' BBC FOUR Monday 23rd September 2013

Having seen quite a number of history programs with Dr Lucy Worsley as the presenter, I was excited to watch the first part of 'A Very British Murder' which combined my love of history with the slightly more macabre part of my personality e.g. fascination with murder, mainly from watching 'Midsomer Murders' (British murder drama set in the rural 'Midsomer' area, actually filmed in Oxfordshire)  from a young age...

'Troy and Barnaby' <3

I was not disappointed; in fact, I was highly entertained by Dr Worsley's keen engagement in dressing up in period costume, singing ballads and acting as both murderers and victims. This approach is entertaining and detracts from the stereotype that history programs are boring and the presenters are charmless, dusty old men who have been hidden away in their offices all their lives who prattle on about subjects only specialists care about. Dr Worsley's enthusiasm rubs off on the viewer, meaning they engage with the subject more fully as the entertainment breaks up the information and lets the viewer relax and enjoy Dr W's comical portrayals. My personal favourite was whilst she was playing the victim, Maria Marten, of the 'Red Barn Murder' committed in 1827 but was quickly adapted into a melodrama enjoyed by many during the 19th century. I found her performance hilarious especially when she paused to read in the stage directions during her character's death. Aside from the entertainment offered, the history of notorious murders was very interesting and well presented with experts brought in for a range of discussions and even a quick sing along in a pub! The wider themes such as the position of women, class, perception of foreigners, respectability, public opinion, transmission of information for the illiterate and public entertainment meant that the wider context gave the viewer a better understanding of society during 19th century Britain and thus a more rounded viewing. I would highly recommend watching this program even if it is simply for entertainment purposes!

'Time to give up a career in history in favour of acting Dr Worsley?'

[As a pedantic end note, I was delighted to see Dr Worsley changing her outfit rather than taking the traditional approach of wearing one outfit in order to ensure continuity through filming. Although this destroys the illusion that all filming occurs on one day, I am pleased to see the change as too many times I have seen presenters wearing one outfit throughout the program without consideration for the changes in temperature e.g. snowy fields or hot deserts, resulting in an uncomfortable looking presenter keen to end film ASAP!]