Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the Sky Arts original documentary The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah—from its premiere date and streaming platform to its featured cast, fascinating historical story, and a complete step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from outside the UK.
How can I watch The Handel Scandal: The Making Of The Messiah outside the UK on NOW?
To watch The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah on Sky Arts via NOW (formerly NOW TV) from outside the UK, use a reliable VPN. Simply connect to a UK server to bypass geographical restrictions and access the British streaming platform. This allows you to enjoy the documentary online from anywhere in the world with a compatible NOW subscription.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open the NOW website or launch its app, then log in.
- You are all set to watch The Handel Scandal: The Making Of The Messiah.
The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah Synopsis
The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah explores the remarkable events surrounding the creation and first performance of George Frideric Handel’s legendary oratorio, Messiah. The story takes viewers back to Dublin on April 13, 1742, when the celebrated composition received its sold-out world premiere. At the centre of the documentary is Susannah Cibber, a talented English actress and singer whose reputation had been damaged by a shocking public scandal. After withdrawing from public life following revelations about her relationship with her lover, Cibber returned to the stage through Handel’s extraordinary music. Her deeply emotional performance helped make the premiere unforgettable while offering her an opportunity to rebuild her reputation. Presented by Danielle de Niese, the documentary also examines how Handel adapted musical passages specifically for Cibber’s voice, revealing the artistic relationship behind the performance. Through historical storytelling and beautiful performances by the Irish Baroque Orchestra, the film celebrates the human drama, courage, and musical genius behind one of history’s most beloved compositions.
When Does The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah Premiere?
The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah premieres on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 8:00 PM BST on Sky Arts in the United Kingdom.
The documentary is also available through NOW, while Sky Arts broadcasts free-to-air on Freeview channel 36 and Freesat channel 143.
Cast
- – Danielle de Niese – Presenter
- – Peter Whelan – Musical Contributor
- – Irish Baroque Orchestra – Musical Ensemble
Where to Watch The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah in the UK
You can watch The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah on Sky Arts and NOW in the United Kingdom, where the historical music documentary premieres on October 27, 2026, at 8:00 PM UK time. UK viewers can enjoy the documentary for free on Sky Arts via Freeview channel 36 or Freesat channel 143, while Sky TV customers can also access the channel.
Can I watch The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah for free?
Yes, UK viewers can watch The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah for free on Sky Arts, which broadcasts through Freeview channel 36 and Freesat channel 143.
NOW Supported Devices:
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense |
| Streaming Devices | Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast |
| Smartphones | iPhone, Android |
| Tablets | iPad, Android, Amazon Fire |
| Gaming Consoles | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Computers | Windows PC, Mac |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox |
| TV Boxes | EE TV, BT TV, YouView |
FAQs
- Who presents The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah?
Danielle de Niese, an internationally acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning soprano, presents the documentary. She explores the story of Susannah Cibber while performing selections from Handel’s Messiah alongside Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra. - How long is The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah?
The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah has an approximately 44-minute. - Who directed The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah?
Lisa Fairbank, a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker, directed The Handel Scandal: The Making of the Messiah. The documentary was produced by Factory Films, with Julie Heathcote serving as executive producer. - Where was Handel’s Messiah first performed?
George Frideric Handel’s Messiah premiered on April 13, 1742, in Dublin, Ireland, at a venue on Fishamble Street.
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