'Enchanting' BBC period drama based on beloved novel hailed 'masterpiece'

fans have discovered a "masterpiece" period drama that's massively underrated on streaming platform . Set in West in the early 1760s, the period piece follows a man returning to his family's remote rural dwelling after years in the bustling metropolis of Birmingham.

The Gallows Pole, first released in 2023, centres around David Hartley - played by Michael Socha - who has been left gravely wounded and attempting to carry a mysterious bag of tools back to his moor-top village. Along the way, he meets six mysterious stag-men who inform him that his time on earth isn't yet done.

Later, it tells the fictionalised story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, as David assembles a gang of revolutionary criminals to take part in the biggest fraud in British history.

Though it sounds bizarre, the programme - which consists of three hour-long episodes - is perfect for a binge watch and is streaming free on iPlayer. It stars Stevie Binns, Adam Fogerty and Sophie McShera.

Reviews for the show voted overwhelmingly to rate it five out of five stars, with one viewer writing: "I loved this show. It may not be up everybody's street, but it was certainly up mine. Brilliantly written, directed, cast and acted.

"It was enthralling and even enchanting. I've read that the actors are encouraged to improvise and it shows, making the whole experience seem even more real. And the soundtrack was outstanding!"

Other fans branded it "edgy, gritty and real" and "a masterpiece". Adapted by Shane Meadows from Benjamin Myers' original novel - but acting as a prequel to the book - it adopts a quasi-documentary style and was produced in part by A24, famous for some of the biggest horror movie hits of the past decade.