Screenwriter Andrew Davies describes Tipping the Velvet, his adaptation of Sarah Waters's acclaimed novel of lesbian love, betrayal and redemption in Victorian England, as "Pride and Prejudice with dirty bits". This three-part BBC production chronicles with relish the story of Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling, the ravishing image of her mother, Diana Rigg), barely 18, and certain that life holds more for her than her oyster girl's existence. "You'll meet someone who'll have your head spinning and your legs turning to jelly", her sister promises. That someone surprisingly... turns out to be "gay and bold" Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a music-hall entertainer with whom Nan falls instantly, and swooningly, in love. Nan follows her to London, where, as a double act, they become the toast of London, until Kitty's "marriage of convenience" breaks up the act and Nan's heart. The outcast Nan, decked out in Victor/Victoria duds, becomes a streetwalker, and then "tart" to the aptly named Diana Leatherby (Anna Chancellor). This affair, too, comes to "a bad end" as a destitute Nan is deposited back on the streets, where she insinuates herself into the lives of Florence (Jodhi May), a social worker, and her socialist brother. Is Nan "too spoiled and stained for love"? Will she risk her blossoming relationship with Florence when Kitty inevitably returns to rekindle their affair? Nan's couplings, while tastefully done, do carry what Waters calls "a queer erotic charge". They are graphic by BBC standards. But the sterling writing and performances will captivate even the most sensitive viewers, making this groundbreaking mini-series, to quote one character, "a delightful evening... a rare treat". --Donald Liebenson [show more]
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The complete three-part BBC drama set amidst the lesbian subculture of 1890s England. The series follows heroine Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling), who meets and falls for male impersonator Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes). Nan moves to London and begins an affair with Kitty while also joining her music hall act. When she discovers an unwelcome truth Nan begins a voyage into the capital's sexual underworld which eventually sees her become destitute and forced to make some important decisions about the future of her relationships.
Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. The most sexually explicit drama the BBC has ever broadcast! An erotically charged exploration of lesbian life in Victorian London... Episode 1 The glamorous world of the 19th -century music hall provides the backdrop for Nan's first love affair with Kitty Butler, a popular male impersonator. When Kitty is offered the chance to perform in London, a delighted Nan accompanies her as a dresser, but true success doesn't happen until Nan becomes part of the act. Episode 2 Alone and devastated by her betrayal, Nan cannot return to her family in Whitstable so takes to the streets to survive. In her guise as a male impersonator, she finds a niche in the Victorian sexual underworld and is also drawn into the web of a rich Sapphic society widow who offers sex, excitement and luxury but at a perilous price. Episode 3 Diana throws out Nan and Blake and Blake disappears with all of the money leaving a totally destitute Nan. The only person she can think to turn to ends up unwelcoming to her. So begins a very different phase for Nan, which leads ultimately to her making the most important decision of her life... Actors Rachael Stirling, Keeley Hawes, Hugh Bonneville, John Bowe, Anna Chancellor & Jodhi May Director Geoffrey Sax Certificate 15 years and over Year 2002 Screen Widescreen 16:9 Anamorphic Languages English Subtitles None Duration 3 hours and 5 minutes (approx)
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