December 21, 2001
Daily Mail
Cromwell and Fairfax
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ONE of the grisliest events in British history will be recreated in a major British film starring Dougray Scott, Tim Roth, Rupert Everett and Olivia Williams.

The film, Cromwell And Fairfax, will explore the Civil War that tore Britain apart and ended with Charles I losing his head. In fact, scenes of the monarch's execution will be filmed at a royal palace. Authorities at Hampton Court have given permission for the beheading of the ill-fated king (played by Rupert Everett) to take place in its grounds.

The actual execution of the king took place outside The Banqueting House in Whitehall.

'We're building the facade of The Banqueting House at Hampton Court, and Rupert will lose his head there,' producer Kevin Loder told me.

Cromwell And Fairfax focuses on the intense relationship between Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector, and General Thomas Fairfax, who led the Parliamentary forces against the Crown.

Political differences over how to build a new England drove the two men apart. Some connected to the film believe there are modern-day parallels. 'You do think of Blair and Brown, however unfair that may be,' one executive on the film told me.

But the thing over which Cromwell and Fairfax clashed most bitterly was the fate of Charles I.  Fairfax refused to serve on the commission that condemned the king to death.

'It's all about power,' Loder explained. 'Fairfax's wife, Lady Anne, was very strong and manipulative, and she warned her husband about Cromwell.

It was a fascinating battle to control the country.' Director Mike Barker has cast Scott as Fairfax, Roth as Cromwell and Olivia as Lady Anne.

Filming begins at the end of January.

Copyright 2001 Associated Newspapers Ltd.

- Thanks to Janet for the heads-up and Missy for the article!