A one-off comedy takes a light-hearted look at the life of one of Britain's most famous felons -- Jeffrey Archer

by Tim Randall, What's On TV, November 30, 2002

Shamed Tory peer Jeffrey Archer probably won't be tuning his prison television to BBC1 on Sunday evening this week -- unless he wants to see himself mercilessly lampooned and ridiculed in a new satirical comedy.

Jeffrey Archer: The Truth takes us on a roller-coaster ride through the disgraced politician and author's unbelievable life story.

Penned by Drop The Dead Donkey creator Guy Jenkin, it's a story of intrigue, conspiracy, heroism and romance -- and almost all of it is true.

"It's a very tongue-in-cheek look at the fantasy world that is Jeffrey Archer's life," says Damian Lewis, who plays him. "Basically, it's his own delusional version of events, a chance for us all to see the world through his eyes.

"We cover everything: the hookers, whether he actually went to Oxford University or not, his relationship with his wife, Mary, and, of course, with Margaret Thatcher.

"To Jeffery, Thatcher was a beautiful, seductive woman -- that's why we've got Great Scacchi playing her. In Jeffrey's distorted view of the world, that's how he sees her.

"The drama is very funny and will make a lot of people laugh -- though probably not Jeffrey himself!" adds Damian, who starred as Soames in this year's acclaimed remake of The Forsyte Saga.

In fact, Old Etonian Damian once met Lord Archer -- currently serving a four-year jail sentence for perjury and perverting the course of justice -- when Damian was performing in a school play.

"It's funny how things turn out, isn't it?" laughs 31-year-old Damian. "Jeffrey even spoke to me after my performance. He told me to reserve him a front row seat when I made my debut in the West End."

Although Damian dyed his distinctive red hair for the role, he says he isn't trying to portray a mirror-image of Archer.

"I'm not impersonating him because the programme is about the way he sees himself," he explains.

"I play him as a cross between Roger Moore and Leslie Crowther -- as a slightly cheesy smoothie. I've certainly made no attempt to copy his voice, although I do hint at it."

Next up for the Band Of Brothers actor is a trip to Los Angeles to publicise his movie Dreamcatcher, an adaptation of the Stephen King novel, in which he co-stars with Tom Sizemore and Morgan Freeman. Then, it's back to Britain to film another series of The Forsyte Saga.

"I can't wait to get started. I loved the last one so much and it will be good fun getting together with everyone again," says Damian, who will be changing his appearance yet again for the role.

"This time I've got to play a 65-year-old Soames," he smiles. "So my hair is going to be covered in talk to make me look old!"

Jeffrey Archer: The Truth - BBC1 Sunday

Caption: In the nick of time ... Damian Lewis as Jeffrey (main image) and the man himself (above).

Caption: Playing it by the book ... Damian as Jeffrey with co-star Polly Walker as the disgraced peer's "fragrant" wife Mary.

Caption: BBC1, 9.00 pm: The Archers: Polly Walker and Damian Lewis in a tale of political folk.

Who's Who

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (played by Greta Scacchi, below) isn't the only real-life character portrayed in this one-off satirical comedy.

Look out for Jeffrey Archer's "fragrant" wife Mary (Polly Walker), Princess Diana (Emily Mortimer), former Conservative Party deputy leader Willie Whitelaw (Richard Griffiths) and Prime Minister Tony Blair (Steven Pacey).

Prince Philip -- played by One Foot In The Grave star Richard Wilson (pictured below with Damian Lewis), even makes an appearance. "I've concentrated on the essence of Prince Philip -- the uniform and a bit of grumpiness," says Richard. "He's like Victor Meldrew, I suppose -- except that he's much more posh!"