When writing about Sarah Waters and her new novel earlier this week, I was reminded that I still hadn't watched the BBC adaptation of Tipping The Velvet which I had bought ages ago. Needing to put my feet up for a bit, I thought the DVD provided the perfect opportunity.
I remember the controversy the programme created when it was first aired but for some reason or another (I think I was planning my wedding) I didn't watch it. I loved the novel however and was hoping the adaptation would be just as good.
In Victorian England, Nan Astley (the mesmerising Rachael Stirling) lives in Whitstable working in an oyster restaurant with her parents. When Kitty (Keeley Hawes), a music hall entertainer, comes to town Nan goes to watch her performance every night. She goes on to become her dresser and when Kitty moves to London, Nan goes with her. They become a double act and are extremely popular. For six months Nan is happy. Then she returns back to the lodgings she shares with Kitty a day early after seeing her parents, and everything falls apart.
Nan is forced to the streets and goes to extreme measures to survive. Eventually she is picked up by Diana Leatherby and so begins her life as an employed "tart".
If you have read the book (which I urge you to do before you watch the adaptation) you will know that this is a lesbian love story. But as with all of Sarah Waters' books and subsequently this adaptation, it is much more than that. There is the romance, which builds up beautifully, so when the sex scenes arrive they are very tasteful. Then there is Nan's emotional and physical journey. Rachael Stirling is endearing in her portrayal as Nan.
In fact, all the actors and actresses play their parts very well, as you might expect from a BBC adaptation. The scriptwriters, directors and producers have all got it spot on, so even the bit parts given to the likes of JohnnyVegas show a great eye for detail.
I would also like to mention Anna Chancellor who plays Diana Leatherby. She was fantastic. (I was wondering where I'd seen her before but then I realised she was Duckface in Four Weddings).
In all a brilliant adaptation. Well worth waiting for. I loved the scenery, the music, the visual metaphors. The way they interpreted the book, to me, had Sarah Waters all over it.
Friday Flick Archives
