Sky Arts announces a range of new commissions

Sky Arts has boosted its investment in original content with a range of ambitious new commissions, innovations and initiatives for 2012, both on and off screen.

A host of British national treasures will feature in Playhouse Presents – a new series of original comedy and drama productions airing from April.

Building on Sky Arts’ Playhouse Live and Theatre Live series, which were executive produced by Sandi Toksvig, Playhouse Presents is a series of diverse productions which recreate famous moments in history. They span universal themes and genres and showcase acting, directing and writing talent in the UK.

Playhouse casts will include Emma Thompson as the Queen and Sir Tom Jones in his first acting role. Will Self is writing for David Tennant. Other high profile actors to feature include Brenda Blethyn, Trevor Eve, Stephen Fry, Richard E. Grant, Sheila Hancock, Douglas Henshall, John Hurt, Geraldine James, Tom Jones, Eddie Marsan, Gina McKee, Paul O’Grady, Will Self, Martin Shaw, Harry Shearer, Stellan Skarsgård, Alison Steadman, David Tennant, Emma Thompson, Russell Tovey, Zoe Wanamaker and Olivia Williams.

Read more at Televisual 

Also reported by Deadline and The Stage 

More details of The Snipist starring Douglas Henshall 

More details of The Minor Character starring David Tennant (and here)