Monarch of the Glen is a British TV drama that ran from 2000 to 2005. The tale of Archie MacDonald, a young restauranteur who is called back to his aristocratic residence in Glenbogle makes for a light-hearted, escapist series on the elite life. The last two installments of the show’s seven-season run then focus on another young aristocrat who attempts to modernize the estate. The show was praised for its attempts at showing new-generation nobles attempting to find new pursuits rather than just lazing around with their privilege.
If you liked this classic British show, here are a few facts that might pique your interest.
The Original Novel Is Set In The 1930s-40s
The show’s initial seasons borrow heavily from the Highland novels authored by lifelong Scottish nationalist Sir Compton Mackenzie, the first of which was titled The Monarch Of The Glen. The title itself is a reference to a famous British painting of a red deer stag by Edwin Landseer.
The novels are set in the same fictitious location of Glenbogle and deal with similar issues of modernization of elites but unlike the show’s contemporary setting, the books are set in the period of the 1930s and the 1940s.
The Glenbogle Castle Has Housed Outlander, James Bond, and Mrs. Marple Too
The structure that is referred to as the Glenbogle Castle in the show is a 19th-century baronial house in the Scottish Highlands, called Ardverikie House. The house was destroyed by a fire in 1873 and subsequently rebuilt in a design by Scottish architect John Rhind.
Apart from Monarch On The Glen, the House has served as a shooting location for several other productions like Mrs. Marple: A Murder is Announced, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, and Outlaw King. Other titles featuring the estate include Outlander and the first and second seasons of The Crown (where it acted as Balmoral Estate). Apparently, the upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die too has a few scenes shot at Ardverikie House.
‘Monarch Of The Glum’
The series was parodied in a 2002 episode of the BBC sketch comedy series French and Saunders. The show featured the double act of comediennes Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. A certain Celebrity Christmas Puddings special episode of the show was titled ‘Monarch Of The Glum’.
Actor Alastair Mackenzie reprised his role as Archie MacDonald while French played Lexie MacDonald and Saunders appeared as Molly MacDonald.
Tom Baker Never Knew What The Show Was About
English actor Tom Baker is renowned for his portrayal of the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. He also had a recurring role as Donald MacDonald in the sixth and seventh seasons of Monarch Of The Glen.
‘It’s very like life’, that’s how Baker described his entry to the show as he hardly had an idea of what was going on mid-shooting. This was neither had he ever seen the show before being cast nor did he read other people’s parts of the script.
Black Mirror Reunion
Charlie Brooker’s British anthology series Black Mirror instantly became a trendsetter of a cult status since its first season. The show has boasted many philosophical, mind-bending sci-fi episodes but it all started with a relatively simple yet equally compelling pilot, titled The National Anthem.
This episode reunited two significant cast members from Monarch of the Glen, namely Alastair Mackenzie (Archie) and Anna-Wilson Jones (Justine). Jones has a major role, playing the British Prime Minister’s wife while Mackenzie plays a journalist called Martin.
A Behind-The-Scenes Marriage
Lorraine Pilkington plays the character Katrina Finlay in Monarch of the Glen. Her character is a local school headteacher who shares a love-hate relationship with Archie and later goes on to have a career in national politics.
The actress went on to marry Simon Massey who had directed many an episode for the show. In fact, she also didn’t appear in the third season due to her pregnancy.
The Show's Creator Helped In Shaping Hugh Laurie's Career
Monarch of the Glen is created by Michael Chaplin, a screenwriter, and television and radio personality. One of his early credits included serving as an editor and executive on South of Watford, an arts and lifestyle show that gained a cult status later.
The show was hosted and presented by Ben Elton and Hugh Laurie, both of whose careers got a boost after their stint with Elton turning out to be a popular playwright. After a successful stint in theatre, Laurie attained international fame too with the medical-drama House.
The Theme Was Composed By Kenny G
British musician Simon Brint was the man behind the show’s theme music. Brint has been involved in his comedy music projects and the music department of many shows including the aforementioned French and Saunders Show. For Monarch of the Glen, he also collaborated with American jazz saxophonist Kenny G.
Known for his mastery in genres like smooth jazz and easy listening, Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time. The show’s theme music much like the rest of his discography, is soothing and feel-good, suiting the aura of the show.
The Railway Station Is A Tourist Spot
The Broomhill railway station is the reconstructed railway station in Strathspey that serves as Glenbogle’s railway station in the series. The original novel’s description too matches that of this station which was first opened in 1863 and then closed nearly a century later, around 1965.
Now, the location has been preserved for vanity as a minor tourist spot with the spot still holding a ‘Glenbogle’ signboard to celebrate Monarch of the Glen.
Petition To Bring Back Archie
Archie MacDonald was a highly likable protagonist and his departure after the fifth season clearly affected the show’s ratings. This affected fans (calling themselves ‘Boglies’) many of whom demanded Archie to come back. A 21-year old self-professed ‘Boglie’ by the name of Emma Richards even wrote a petition to retain Archie but it turned out to be a futile attempt. The actor wasn’t fired; he himself felt there wasn’t any more plot left to explore around the character as all of Archie’s loose ends were done.
By the fifth season, he had married his love interest, made the estate successful, and reconciled with his father. He then went on to have appearances in shows like Poirot and Skins.