1.058 minSeason 1 • Episode 3
LatestIn the past, we follow Casanova's adventures in London - where he glimpses Henriette and tricks his way into court circles - and in Naples, where he meets an old friend. Still living on his wits, Casanova makes and loses fortunes and also enjoys other conquests. Back in the present, Edith realizes that Casanova may be wrong in believing Henriette is dead. But Casanova himself is now very sick and getting near his end.
Castle Dux, Bohemia, 1798. Casanova, now a penniless librarian in his seventies, tells Edith, a young kitchen maid in the castle, his remarkable life story, and about falling in love with Henriette.
Acting
Tennant's feral charisma versus O'Toole's shattered grandeur—two performances for the ages.
Writing
Russell T Davies makes 18th-century dialogue feel filthy and alive.
Production
Burlesque staging that winks at the artifice of Casanova's own myth.
Creator
Russell T Davies
Rose Byrne
Edith
Peter O'Toole
Giacomo Casanova
David Tennant
Giacomo Casanova
Matt Lucas
Villars
Laura Fraser
Henriette
Rupert Penry-Jones
Grimani
Shaun Parkes
Rocco
Nina Sosanya
Bellino
Clare Higgins
Cook
Freddie Jones
Bragadin
Ron Cook
Prisoner
Andrew Havill
English Chancellor
Dervla Kirwan
Casanova's Mother
Tom Burke
Jack (20 years old)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
David Tennant took the role immediately after finishing Doctor Who, desperate to play something horny and human.
The entire series is structured as a deathbed confession, meaning every romantic triumph is already poisoned by decay—O'Toole's presence haunts even the most euphoric scenes.
GB
