Period drama fans can't miss 'sublime' adaptation with Downton Abbey star

A BBC period drama adapted from a celebrated novel is currently available for streaming and is essential viewing for devotees of costume dramas, reports the Mirror.

Viewers have lavished praise upon the limited series on IMDb, with one user awarding a perfect 10/10 score alongside the headline: "A skilled adaptation of an extraordinary novel".

A second reviewer titled their assessment "sublime" and declared: "The BBC has done it again: this is a wonderful production of a very good book, and they have done it up in style."

Another viewer showered the programme with acclaim: "The sets and costumes are flawless, the direction is stylish and the characters are likeable. There is a fair amount of humor [sic] but it has surprisingly dark interludes. The protagonist is really a tragic figure, but not devoid of happiness."

They continued: "The BBC have made some wonderful productions in the past, and this adventurous period piece only confirms their standard of excellence on all fronts."

A fourth person remarked: "This wonderful 3 part BBC production is one of the sweetest love stories that I have seen in a while."

They proceeded to note: "The characters are well defined and very believable. I guess this is a by-product of a good adaptation from a well written novel."

Tipping the Velvet was broadcast on the BBC in 2002, drawing from Welsh writer Sarah Waters' 1998 inaugural novel bearing the same name.

The three-episode series featured Pride and Prejudice (1995) and The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders scriptwriter Andrew Davies supervising the screenplays. Tipping the Velvet unfolded during the Victorian period and chronicled the erotic awakening of Whitstable local Nan Astley (portrayed by Rachael Stirling) following her journey to London where she became infatuated with male impersonator Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes).

The duo began a fiery affair whilst Nan supported her London lifestyle, before they created a stage partnership together.

The programme served as a coming-of-age tale featuring comedic and sinister elements.

Tipping the Velvet boasted an impressive ensemble, featuring Four Weddings and a Funeral's Anna Chancellor, Game of Thrones' Jodhi May, Oscar-nominated Sally Hawkins, Line of Duty's Daniel Mays, Downton Abbey beloved Hugh Bonneville, Appropriate Adult's Monica Dolan, and even appearances from Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch, Johnny Vegas and Alexei Sayle.

The television adaptation and source material have significantly influenced LGBTQIA+ representation on television and paved the way for additional queer narratives to reach audiences.

In a previous reflection on her novel's triumph and the resulting BBC production, novelist Waters penned an extensive piece in 2018, commemorating the book's 20th milestone.

She revealed in The Guardian how she felt "thrilled" by the queer community's embrace, though the popularity amongst heterosexual audiences "took me by surprise".

Waters additionally contemplated penning a follow-up novel centred around Kitty's character.

Tipping the Velvet is available to stream on Prime Video for a fee