In 1553, England’s first Queen, Mary I, takes the throne. The country is on the brink of chaos, and ambitious Cardinal Pole plots to secure control. He has overlooked, however, a humble court jester, Jane Foole. The pious, and apparently humorless, Queen Mary finds relief in Foole's brilliant slapstick routines and the two women strike up an unlikely friendship.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Karen GillanMary Tudor | Mary Tudor |
 Patsy FerranJane Foole | Jane Foole |
 Jim BroadbentCardinal Pole | Cardinal Pole |
 Brenda BlethynNot listed | Not listed |