Can The Queens Of Britannia Take On The Seven Kingdoms?

We all know that Game of Thrones is coming to an end, so its no surprise that TV channels around the world are looking for the next big historical fiction hit. Here’s a first look at one such show, this time with female characters firmly leading the charge.

Coming to screens in January, Britannia is a Sky original production and will see Kelly Reilly (Eden Lake) take on the role of reluctant warrior Kerra, the daughter of King of the Cantii (Ian McDiarmid).

Set in Britain of 43AD, the series follows the Roman army as they return to finally vanquish the reigning Celts and Druids across the land. Kerra is forced to confront her arch nemesis Queen Antedia (Zoe Wanamaker) and eventually face a tough choice in her battle to resist the invading force, who are backed by the might of Rome.

We’ve taken a look at the first five episodes and are able to share some thoughts below. All the episodes will be released in one go via Sky Atlantic.

Female-led history shows seem to be increasing in popularity year on year, with series such as Jamestown proving big hits. Set during the early period of European settlements in Virginia, and told from the point of view of the pioneering women, it is about to launch into a second season on Sky.

There are similarities between Jamestown and Britannia beyond the focus on strong female characters, but there are also notable differences.

One of those differences is budget. From the opening shots of Britannia – which remind us more of Terrence Malick films than a made-for-TV epic – we can tell that a lot of money has been spent on this production.

The cast are also of a high calibre, and Reilly is the standout. The star has made a big impact in films and TV shows before, but here, as the fearsome warrior queen Kerra, she is at her ferocious best.

David Morrissey is also having fun as a pompous-yet-effective Roman general, and the rest of the cast get to go to physical extremes in the sort of roles you imagine they relish getting their teeth into.

David Morrissey (as Aulus) & Kelly Reilly (as Kerra)

The series is fast-paced and relies on feudal relationships at first. Once we get a full scope of who is who and where they are from, things really kick on at a pace.

The show was filmed in Wales and the Czech Republic, with several large sets built specifically for the series. Below are some more images from the series that highlight the scale of the production.

All episodes of Britannia will be available Thursday 18 January exclusively on Sky Atlantic and TV-streaming service NOW TV.

SaveSave

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.