The BBC's four-part miniseries 'Steeltown Murders' is being hailed as an 'extraordinary' and 'outstanding' true crime drama, with viewers calling it a 'masterpiece' and 'one of the best UK dramas of 2023.' The series, which is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, has been praised for its authenticity and gripping depiction of real-life murders in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Plot and Production
Written by Ed Whitmore and directed by Marc Evans, 'Steeltown Murders' is based on the actual murders committed by Joseph Kappen in Port Talbot during the 1970s. The drama was produced for the BBC by Severn Screen and initially aired on BBC One in May 2023, with all four episodes made available on BBC iPlayer immediately. The series stars Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri as detectives investigating the murders, alongside Keith Allen, Sharon Morgan, Karen Paullada, Richard Harrington, and Nia Roberts. Filming took place on location in South Wales starting in November 2022, and Paul Bethell, the real detective from the original investigation, contributed to the production.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The series has garnered widespread acclaim, earning five BAFTA Cymru Award nominations, including Best Actor for Philip Glenister and Best Director (Fiction) for Marc Evans. It won the top prize for Best Television Drama and also took home the Best Costume Design award. Critics have praised the show's depth and authenticity. One reviewer noted, 'It's a moving and engrossing case, and writer Ed Whitmore powerfully evokes both the horror of the crimes and the reluctance of the community to reopen the wounds.' Another called it 'a respectful, even affectionate piece of work that maps the toll of an unsolved murder on the people in pain left behind.'
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic. One audience member on IMDb wrote, 'This is a fantastic four-part series from the BBC. Being from the area myself, I can confirm that this case did indeed cast a big shadow over the whole area. Ed Whitmore gets the balance of fact and entertainment spot on.' Another viewer commented, 'Wonderfully authentic. It makes the viewer sit up and pay attention. Really good performances from everyone, especially Glenister and the actor who played his younger character.' A third praised the series as 'outstanding multidimensional true crime' with 'extraordinary depth,' adding, 'The writing, the acting, and the filming are all on point.'
Impact and Legacy
Philip Glenister stated that he felt it was his 'responsibility' to accurately portray the story for the victims' families. The series' official synopsis reads: 'Three murders - unsolved but never forgotten. Thirty years on, can DCI Bethall find the serial killer who terrorised 1970s Port Talbot?' 'Steeltown Murders' is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
