Charles Dance to Play Michelangelo in BBC’s New Series

The BBC has announced a compelling arts and culture slate, featuring an exciting range of new programs across television and radio. Among the highlights is a new docu-drama series, “Renaissance: The Blood and The Beauty,” in which acclaimed actor Charles Dance will portray Italian master Michelangelo. The three-part series, co-commissioned with PBS, will explore the Renaissance period’s intersection of violence, power politics, and artistic genius.

In addition to Dance’s portrayal of Michelangelo, the BBC slate includes historian Simon Schama’s “The History of Us,” focusing on the cultural conflicts shaping today’s world. Other standout projects include “Civilisations: Rise and Fall,” a new iteration of the popular archaeological series, and “Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius,” which will celebrate the famed novelist’s 250th anniversary with interviews and insights into her life and legacy.

The BBC also announced a lineup of films as part of its Arena documentary strand, which will explore the lives of cultural icons such as opera singer Maria Callas and James Bond actor Roger Moore. Additionally, Stephen Fry, Richard E. Grant, and Adjoa Andoh are among the talents featured in a new series on Mozart, while “Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar” will delve into the life of the Hollywood legend.

The arts programming also extends to radio, with cultural documentaries and discussions ranging from current affairs to classical music. The BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, affirmed the broadcaster’s commitment to the arts, stating, “The arts remain utterly central to the BBC’s mission… They matter even more when times are tough.”

With this wide array of programming, the BBC continues to establish itself as a leading platform for arts and culture content, offering both depth and variety for audiences across the UK and beyond.