No, you’re not dreaming. This anthology series from Amazon and the BBC comprises five feature-length films from acclaimed director Steve McQueen: the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA-winning director of 12 Years a Slave. And UK viewers can watch them all completely FREE on the BBC. Want to know how? Settle in as we detail how to watch Small Axe online from anywhere.
Each individual tale brings to light a recent chapter in the history of London’s West Indian community, largely focusing on real-life events that took place between 1968 and 1985. Co-written by McQueen, Alastair Siddons, and Courttia Newland, they alternately convey the oppressive reality of systemic racism, the joy of community, and the hope gained by hard-won victories in the fight for equality.
Watch Small Axe from every Sunday, November 15 at 9pm GMT on BBC One in the UK. Alternatively, you can stream the series online via BBC iPlayer (opens in new tab) live or on-demand as new instalments become available - meaning it's 100% free to watch Small Axe (with a valid TV licence, of course). In the US, Amazon Prime Video (opens in new tab) will be adding a feature-length episode beginning from Friday, November 20. It’s $12.99 for a monthly subscription - and you can access your preferred streaming service from anywhere with the help of a VPN (opens in new tab)
First instalment ‘Mangrove’ centers on 1970s Notting Hill, where the Caribbean restaurant of Frank Crichlow (played by Shaun Parkes) is repeatedly raided by police without justification. When the local community protest, including leader of the British Black Panther Movement Altheia Jones-LeCointe (Black Mirror actress Letitia Wright), their wrongful arrest leads to a historic, high-profile trial.
Following this is ‘Lovers Rock’, a beatific account of a reggae house party in 1980s London, and ‘Red, White, and Blue’, a biopic about police constable Leroy Logan that stars John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) in a career-defining role. ‘Alex Wheatle’ depicts the titular writer's early years and the lead up to the 1981 Brixton Uprising, while ‘Education’ is another true story about a 12-year old boy erroneously classified as "special needs’"
That’s an incredible amount of excellent drama, stuffed with talented actors and inspiring stories –and the BBC are bringing them to UK audiences for free! Just keep reading, and we’ll detail how to watch Small Axe online for free and from anywhere today .
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How to watch Small Axe online from outside your country
Currently abroad for work or taking a well-deserved vacation? Unfortunately, geo-blocks caused by regional licensing laws will ruin your chances of watching Small Axe live or on-demand through BBC iPlayer, or Amazon if you’re usually based in America.
However, by downloading a VPN you can effortlessly circumvent these regional restrictions. A VPN – short for Virtual Private Network – can alter your IP address to that of your country back home, allowing you to access film and TV content that would be otherwise be inaccessible.
How to watch Small Axe online FREE in the UK
How to watch Small Axe online in the US
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Can I watch Small Axe online in Canada?
Can I watch Steve McQueen's Small Axe online in Australia?
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