A&E television’s "Victoria & Albert" has a theatregoer’s dream cast. The four-hour original movie, which airs Sunday and Tuesday (Oct. 21 and 23) stars Victoria Hamilton and Jonathan Firth in the title roles. However, sharing the spotlight are several veterans of Broadway and West End stages. Featured in major supporting roles are Nigel Hawthorne (Tony Award, Shadowlands; Olivier Award, The Madness of King George), Jonathan Pryce (Tony winner, Miss Saigon; My Fair Lady revival), Diana Rigg (Tony, Medea; Tony-nominated, The Misanthrope and Abelard and Heloise; Emma Peel in the cult TV classic, "The Avengers"; hostess of PBS’ "Mystery"), David Suchet (Amadeus revival; numerous RSC roles; TV’s "Poirot"), John Wood (Tony-nominated, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead; West End’s Invention of Love, RSC veteran), and veteran British stage and screen actors Richard Briers (The Chairs), Michael Siberry (The Sound of Music), Peter Ustinov and Penelope Wilton.
The film details the developing romance and marriage of Princess Victoria, 18 at the time, and her German cousin, dashing Prince Albert, who became her trusted consort. It was as remarkable a romance as was the monarch’s 64-year reign as Britain’s beloved queen.
The encore presentation of "Victoria & Albert," in its entirety, will air Saturday, October 27, beginning at 8 P.M. (ET). The movie, a co-production of Splendid Television and the BBC and directed by John Erman ("An Early Frost," "Roots"), is available from A&E Home Video (1-800-423-1212) as a 4-pack VHS or 2-disc DVD ($39.95). Behind the Scenes information can found on A&E’s website, AandE.com. -- by Ellis Nassour