Join the Friends of the Needham Public Library for an insider conversation with Susanne Simpson, the Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer of MASTERPIECE—the iconic PBS drama series produced by GBH in Boston. On April 27 from 2-3:30 PM at the Needham Free Public Library, Simpson will share behind-the-scenes stories of the beloved series, a winner of 83 Primetime Emmys® and 18 Peabody Awards, that has been essential Sunday night viewing for millions of fans for over 50 years.

You’ll learn how your favorite MASTERPIECE programs are developed from script to cast to on-set production. Whether literary adaptations or original drama series,

Simpson will share her efforts, amidst a competitive television landscape, to bring the best of period costume dramas, mysteries, and contemporary

programs to the loyal viewers of MASTERPIECE. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the programs and talented performances soon to come.

Simpson is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and a two-time Emmy®-winner for documentary and dramatic films. As the head of scripted content and executive producer of MASTERPIECE, she has commissioned the upcoming original U.K. productions such as the adaptation of The Forsyte Saga, Miss Austen and Marble Hall Murders starring Leslie Manville. Simpson co-produces many U.K. programs including All Creatures Great and Small, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and Maigret. As executive producer of Downton Abbey, Simpson was in charge of the most watched drama in PBS history. She also oversaw co-productions such as

Sherlock, Wolf Hall, and Victoria.

The program is free and all are welcome. Seats are limited and registration is required. Register at https://needhamlibrary.org/events/

For more information about this program, please contact Gay Ellen Dennett at gdennett@minlib.net or 781-455-7559 x223.