The BBC period drama Tipping the Velvet, based on Sarah Waters' groundbreaking 1998 novel, is streaming now and has left viewers "spellbound." The three-part series, directed by Geoffrey Sax and adapted by Andrew Davies, premiered in 2002 and continues to captivate audiences.
Plot and Setting
The series chronicles the coming-of-age story of Nancy King, an 18-year-old girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. Set in the 1890s, Nan is thrust into London's theatrical and sexual underworld, forming a successful cross-dressing act with Kitty as they embark on a forbidden affair. The story explores themes of identity, love, and societal constraints.
Cast and Performances
Rachael Stirling portrays Nan King, while Keeley Hawes plays Kitty Butler. The supporting cast includes Johnny Vegas, Hugh Bonneville, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Anna Chancellor. The performances have been widely praised, with one IMDb reviewer noting that "the acting is mostly glorious" and that the actors' physical presences match what the mind's eye sees when reading the novel.
Critical Acclaim
The series has received widespread praise online. One IMDb reviewer awarded it 10 out of 10, calling it a "skilled adaptation of an extraordinary novel." Another described it as "one of the greatest tragic romantic dramas since Romeo and Juliet," praising its beautiful performances, sets, costumes, music, and scenes. The series has been called "essential television" and "spiritually uplifting" by fans.
Source Material
Sarah Waters' novel Tipping the Velvet was her debut and was deemed one of the best books of 1998 by The New York Times and The Library Journal. It has sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide and remains a landmark in LGBTQ+ literature. The adaptation by Andrew Davies has been described as his "masterpiece" by one reviewer.
Availability
Tipping the Velvet is available to purchase on Amazon Prime. The series originally aired on BBC and has been rebroadcast multiple times, continuing to find new audiences.
