Myths and legends

As a dedicated fan of both British humor and folklore, I wholeheartedly endorse adding Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country to your watchlist. This series is not just a delightful exploration of the UK’s quirky myths and legends, but it also serves as an intriguing glimpse into Charlie’s own rural heart.

Add Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country to your watchlist

Charlie Cooper, a writer and actor, finds rural tales and lore captivating. With a chuckle, he acknowledges his innate connection to the countryside, stating, “I’m a country dweller at my core.” His passion for history, nature, and the environment is further fueled by folklore, as it seamlessly blends these interests together.

There weren’t any mythical beasts or pagan sacrifices in This Country, the pastoral sitcom he co-created and starred in with his sister Daisy May Cooper, but there’s definitely some connective tissue between that show and his latest documentary series for BBC3. Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country (get it?) sees the 35-year-old Bafta-winner exploring some of the UK’s more eccentric myths and legends, from Black Shuck, a giant dog that’s said to roam the hills of East Anglia, to UFOs over Wiltshire.

Cooper’s passion for agrarian myths was sparked by the production of “This Country”. He discovered countless strange rituals and traditions during this process, which broadened his perspective to an entirely new realm. As they delved into their upbringing, the people around them, and the activities they engaged in, he realized that it all falls under the umbrella of folklore.

In this series, the actor journeys across the UK in a customized AA camper van, exploring, as he puts it, “unusual historical sites with deep roots.” The three half-hour episodes of this documentary showcase the actor’s passionate dedication, and he serves as an earnest and curious guide, conversing with people ranging from Black Shuck eyewitnesses to enthusiasts of crop circles. According to him, anyone who has a powerful bond with our ancient pagan history would find these places intriguing.

Myths and legends

This series comes at just the right moment, as there’s been a significant surge in the creation of folk horror films and television programs over the past few years. These narratives delve into age-old traditions and the eerie and ominous atmosphere of the British countryside. Cooper posits that this renewed fascination with folklore and our distant history may stem from our desire to escape a world that’s becoming increasingly fast-paced and noisy.

He comments, “Our world is incredibly intertwined now, with most of our time spent indoors in front of screens. We’ve lost touch with nature, but folklore can remind us what it means to be human. Being from a country steeped in history, there are countless unique folk traditions and rituals. If sharing these experiences inspires others to explore these places, I would find that truly wonderful.

TV has shown these people as cranks, but there’s a folk revival

In the very first episode, there’s a moment where Cooper tries to record a gathering of the Norfolk Folklore Society. Initially, they are cautious, but eventually won over by Cooper’s genuine enthusiasm. The series, in turn, explores these tales with an open and receptive attitude, regardless of how outlandish or implausible they may seem.

Cooper acknowledges that some TV productions might have exploited these individuals as eccentrics or oddballs. However, he believes we now reside in an era where the renewed interest in folklore has made discussing paranormal phenomena more acceptable. This series, Cooper explains, is not about gathering famous personalities and exploring haunted locations; instead, it’s about maintaining authenticity.

In the conversation, Daisy May, Cooper’s well-known sibling, makes an appearance, playfully teasing her brother over Zoom. Although this may not be the complete Cooper family reunion that fans of This Country have anticipated, Charlie hints at a potential collaboration between him and his sister on another project in the future.

He hinted at something unrehearsed, saying, ‘It’ll be fun to collaborate again,’ he adds with a smile. Since the end of ‘This Country’, they have a bond beyond their professional lives. Interestingly, she recently had a baby, so we visit her place every Sunday for a family roast dinner. The children play together, making it enjoyable without any work-related stress. It’s refreshing not to discuss work; instead, we share lighthearted conversations, which I value greatly.

However, let’s consider this nation itself. Despite the final episode of the Cotswolds-based mockumentary airing in 2020, the story of cousins Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe did not completely shut its door to future possibilities.

Cooper muses now, “One should never rule anything out completely.” He frequently ponders about Kurtan and what his life might look like today. How would they have navigated the pandemic? Would Kurtan become a germaphobe by now? Given how significant Kurtan is in Cooper’s life, and with two children born since This Country ended, he often wonders about Kurtan as a father. To not revisit this character again seems unfair.

2024-09-26 16:42

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