Grab your quill and ink to make note — the longawaited Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light returns to MASTERPIECE on Sunday nights, beginning on March 23.
Based on the final novel in Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning trilogy, the sequel picks up in May 1536 after the beheading of Anne Boleyn. It then follows the last four years of Thomas Cromwell’s life, completing his journey from self-made man to the most feared and influential figure of his time.
Viewers will follow Cromwell’s continued climb to power and wealth, as the formidable Henry VIII settles in to short-lived happiness with his third queen, Jane Seymour. Cromwell, a man with only his wits to rely on, has no great family to back him and no private army. Navigating the moral complexities that accompany the exercise of power in this brutal and bloody time, Cromwell is caught between his desire to do what is right and his instinct to survive. As fortune’s wheel turns, Cromwell’s enemies are gathering in the shadows. The inevitable question remains: How long can anyone survive under Henry’s cruel and capricious gaze?
The Mirror and the Light reunites Damian Lewis as Henry VIII and Mark Rylance as the complex royal power broker Thomas Cromwell who defied and defined his age. Other familiar faces join the cast including Kate Phillips ( Miss Scarlet ) as Jane Seymour, Jonathan Pryce ( The Crown ) as Cardinal Wolsey, Harriet Walter ( Downton Abbey ) as Lady Margaret Pole, and Timothy Spall ( Harry Potter films) as the Duke of Norfolk.
With the first series of Wolf Hall garnering Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Peabody awards, viewers should expect to find the same commitment to great storytelling, acting excellence, gorgeous costuming, and majestic historic locations. Hilary Mantel’s trilogy provided rich material that inspired and informed the MASTERPIECE series. The novels have been translated into 41 languages and have sold more than five million copies worldwide, earning Mantel both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Watch Sundays at 9:00 p.m. beginning March 23 on WVPB.
Jacqueline du Pré
Genius and Tragedy
English cellist Jacqueline du Pré is still considered one of the greatest cellists of all time. Admired by audiences and musicians alike, du Pré is most well known for her interpretation of Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor. Du Pré’s singular playing style and elegant risk-taking have made her an inspiration to many fellow cellists. This includes Yo-Yo Ma, who introduces and narrates Jacqueline du Pré: Genius and Tragedy
This very special PBS presentation celebrates du Pré’s enigmatic genius and sheds light on her life — from her prodigious rise to greatness to the multiple sclerosis diagnosis that ended her career. The film is filled with candid moments off-stage and in rehearsal, as well as powerful concert performances. It also features a charismatic cast of interviewees. They provide incomparable insight into why the wide esteem for du Pré and her playing remains undiminished nearly forty years after her lamentable death at age 42.
Watch Friday, March 28 at 9:00 p.m. on WVPB.
A Note from Eddie Isom
Dear WVPB Member,
Spring will arrive any day now! With it comes more sunshine, warmer weather, and a bevy of wonderful programs. That includes Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light on MASTERPIECE
If you’re like me, you’ve watched the first season again to get reacquainted with Thomas Cromwell, the mercurial Henry VIII, and a rogue’s gallery of power-hungry courtiers. Although you probably know what happens next, this sumptuous production will undoubtedly be as gripping as the first season.
But wait! There’s even more to get excited about. Antiques Roadshow travels around to diverse regions and uncovers more exciting discoveries and family stories. A new season of Call the Midwife shares the stories of joy and
sorrow as the midwives of Nonnatus House face the turbulent 1970s.
And be sure to look for a very special presentation of Jacqueline du Pré: Genius and Tragedy. Remember, all these programs and so many others are made possible because of your wonderful and generous member support. Thank you for being the heart of WVPB.
Sincerely,
Member Services:
304-556-4900 or 1-888-596-9729
E-mail: memberservices@wvpublic.org facebook.com/WVPublic twitter.com/wvpublic
View or print program schedules at: www.wvpublic.org
Eddie Isom
Executive Director Sincerely,
SEASON 14
If you’ve already seen the Christmas episode, you know Season 14 of Call the Midwife will not disappoint. Set in 1970 East End London, the new decade will usher in major changes for the Poplar community.
Dr. Turner and the midwives work tirelessly amid the chaos of protests on the Isle of Dogs, while they continue to tackle ongoing challenges such as poor housing, poverty, and various health issues. They also must attend to a puzzling case of presumed immaculate conception.
“Each year brings social and economic change; the scripts reflect the way Nonnatus
and the local community deal with these changes. It’s exciting reading the scripts,” says Jenny Agutter who plays Sister Julienne.
“The way the stories unfold is always a surprise to me; they are completely honest about people and situations, but very cleverly devised so you are never sure what will happen.” Among the other returning actors are Judy Parfitt (Sister Monica Joan), Laura Main (Nurse Shelagh Turner), Helen George (Nurse Trixie Aylward), Cliff Parisi (Fred Buckle), and Stephen McGann (Dr. Patrick Turner).
Watch Sundays at 8:00 p.m. beginning March 30 on WVPB.
Holly Ridpath and Michelle Morgan Honored For Going Above And Beyond
Holly Ridpath, a first-grade teacher at Ronceverte Elementary School in Greenbrier County, and Michelle Morgan, a music teacher at Nichols Elementary and Village of Barboursville Elementary, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. WVPB’s Education team surprised Ridpath with the award during a classroom visit.
Jessica Bailey, a parent and fellow educator, highlighted Ridpath’s dedication in her Above and Beyond Award nomination. “She goes above and beyond to meet each student’s unique needs,” Bailey said. “Whether it’s modifying lessons, helping students manage their emotions, or inspiring a love of learning, she gives every child the tools they need to succeed.”
Ridpath’s enthusiasm for teaching shines through in her efforts to foster meaningful relationships with her students, prioritize their emotional well-being, and encourage a love for reading. “I love teaching first grade because teaching reading is my passion,” she shared. “I get to be the person who teaches children how to read, and I hope to instill a love for reading in them as well. When my students leave my classroom, I want them to have strong reading skills that prepare them for the future and a lifelong love of books.”
Her classroom features engaging literacy centers designed to captivate young learners. At her writing center, students become authors. “My writing center helps students be creative as they write and illustrate their stories,” she explained. “I conference with them one-on-one to give feedback, and they can even share their work in the author’s chair.”
Ridpath’s efforts extend beyond her own classroom. As a mentor to new teachers, she provides guidance and encouragement, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued. She collaborates with peers in the Greenbrier County ELA Cadre to share best practices in literacy education and is pursuing National Board Certification in Literacy to further refine her skills. Ridpath is deeply committed to supporting her students’ emotional well-being. To support them, she took the initiative to introduce calmdown corners in classrooms throughout the school. These spaces give students a chance to take a moment, reflect, and manage their emotions. “Having a safe space where my students can calm themselves has made a big difference,” she explained. “They usually rejoin the group after a short time, and I’ve noticed far fewer disruptions to the learning environment.”
For Ridpath, building relationships with her students is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. “They know they are loved when they are with me,” she said. “They will always be loved and have me cheering for them throughout their lives.”
The award was presented to Morgan by WVPB’s Education team during a surprise assembly, where Morgan’s students and colleagues gathered to celebrate her incredible contributions.
Tonia Gray, an art teacher who works closely with Morgan, described her as “a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond. She’s not just teaching music; she’s teaching resilience, creativity, and the value of hard work.” Morgan’s passion for music education is evident in her commitment to creating a meaningful, engaging experience for each student. She creates an environment where students not only learn the fundamentals of music but also discover their own voices and talents. Her classes are filled with the sounds of students singing, playing instruments, and engaging with the joy of making music together.
Beyond her regular lessons, Morgan leads a variety of extracurricular programs, such as choir and drama club. She also helps students participate in all-county and all-state choirs.
Morgan seamlessly integrates music and character education to help students develop social and emotional skills. She uses music to instill values such as teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and effective communication. “Music is about more than just notes and rhythms,” she explained. “It’s about working together, overcoming challenges, and expressing ourselves in meaningful ways.” Her students learn to support one another, celebrate their successes, and grow from their mistakes.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Morgan is deeply invested in her community. Morgan plays the flute in local theater companies and regularly attends student events to show her support. As faculty senate president and an active PTO member, she works diligently to advocate for her students and colleagues. “She has a strong relationship with parent and community involvement,” said Gray, Morgan’s nominator. “She works with them to plan countless shows, extracurricular choir, and drama clubs. The parents and community truly admire her and are grateful for her role in building the music program they have today.”
For Morgan, music is a way to connect, communicate, and grow. “Music has the power to connect us, to express what words cannot. I want my students to carry that with them, no matter where life takes them,” she explained. This philosophy drives her commitment to making music an accessible and enriching experience for every student.
As part of the recognition each teacher received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors this award in the Mountain State. Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please visit wvpublic.org/wvpb-education/ above-and-beyond/ to make a nomination.
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Your gifts make it possible for us to tell West Virginia’s story and provide the news, educational programming, and entertainment you rely on.
Have you considered becoming a sustaining member? Your ongoing monthly contributions provide a reliable source of income for WVPB. And by having your gift come from your bank account (through an electronic funds transfer, or EFT) or your debit or credit card, lower processing costs are incurred. More of your donation goes toward the programming you support.
As a sustainer, your membership automatically renews annually, so you never have to worry about remembering when your membership expires. For those who make ongoing monthly gifts of at least $5 and are using WVPB Passport, you won’t lose your access to the streaming benefit due to a lapsed account.
You can make a sustaining gift in the amount that best fits your budget, be that $5, $10, or $25 a month. Those monthly contributions add up to annual gifts of $60, $120, and $300. That’s a wonderful way to support WVPB with an approach that works for you.
Join the half of our members who decided to support WVPB as sustainers. Become a sustainer today. Easy for you. Better for WVPB. Best for West Virginia.
SEASON 29
Part adventure, part history lesson, part treasure hunt — the Emmy Award-nominated Antiques Roadshow continues to delight viewers! Episodes airing in March will take you to Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, and Denver Botanic, Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton, Colorado.
Among the treasures showcased at Living History Farms is an untouched 1968–1970 Mattel Hot Wheels store display. We won’t spoil the surprises uncovered at Chatfield Farms except to say it’s well worth tuning in.
“The magic of Roadshow is with thousands of fans attending our events each tour, we
don’t know what they will bring or what we’ll discover,” said Antiques Roadshow executive producer Marsha Bemko. “And our new season doesn’t disappoint — many of the stories and treasures left us speechless!”
Naturally, when people hear that Antiques Roadshow is coming to their community, they are eager to have their family treasures appraised. Living History Farm was no exception. Nearly 4,000 people brought family heirlooms, curio, and other unique objects in hopes that a world-class appraiser would give them insight into their items.
Watch Mondays at 8:00 p.m. on WVPB.
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