No easy sell this one – a narrative sitcom set during the UK witch trials of the 1640s. Tim Key is bumbling but ambitious Witchfinder Gideon Bannister, who spies an opportunity for career progression when he happens across accused witch Thomasine Gooch (Daisy May Cooper). With a position open as right-hand-man to Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, Bannister decides to transport his ‘witch’ across the country for trial. Shenanigans, as they say, ensue.

‘Shenanigans’ are a curious hook for a comedy set during a time in which some 300 women are believed to have been murdered. Thankfully, Neil and Rob Gibbons’ jet-black comedy doesn’t downplay the gravity of these deaths, instead making a mockery of Matthew Hopkins and his kind. As such, Bannister is the archetypal puffed-up, ambitious idiot – a Puritan Blackadder or Andy Millman. Key embodies the role well, but it’s Daisy May Cooper who really steals the show as gobby, unintimidated firebrand Gooch.

Cooper and Key share a great sense of odd-couple chemistry, growing from episode to episode, due to the show’s narrative structure. Fans of British comedy will have more fun with its revolving door of supporting actors and guest stars – particularly in later episodes, where its spot-on Matthew Hopkinses come into play. The casting of Jessica Hynes as Bannister’s assistant, ‘Old’ Myers, though? Ouch, way to make us ageing Spaced fans feel our years.

Those expecting broader laughs and a more traditional structure may find themselves put off by The Witchfinder’s darker, more muted approach (and would be recommended to stick with Upstart Crow). Mining humour from one of the bleaker periods of English history is no easy task, but The Witchfinder generally pulls it off.