Tipping the Velvet - Complete Series (2002)

Not bad

Tipping the velvet is a must see movie for anyone who likes costume dramas.

In 1980's England Nan worked as a serving girl in her father's oyster bar in the coastal town of Whitstable near London. On his birthday he treats his family to a visit to the local music hall which puts on a variety of acts. Nan is thrilled by the male impersonator, Kitty Butler, and goes along to the theatre to see her perform on the following nights. At the end of her act Kitty is in the habit of throwing a rose to an attractive girl in the audience. On Nan's third night, she throws her rose to Nan and invites her backstage. Kitty is so taken with Nan and her girlish enthusiasm that she offers her the job as her dresser, and it is not long before Nan, after some rehearsals, becomes her partner on stage. The act is so successful that they are given a contract to perform at a London theatre. Nan finds that she is not only sharing a room with Kitty at a lodging house in Brixton, but also her bed, which doesn't bother her as she is in love with Kitty. After a shaky start their act is well received by the London audiences and the show has a successful run of six months before Nan is given a break. She goes home to visit her parents, but finds her family dull after the excitement of London and she returns to her lodgings in Brixton early. What she finds is very upsetting and changes the course of her life irrevocably. A wonderful movie, both joyous and heart-rending, with a cast of fine actors, but perhaps not for those likely to be embarrassed by scenes of love-making between women, or the seamier side of Victorian London. Rachael Stirling plays the part of Nan superbly. She could easily be mistaken for her mother, Diana Rigg, when she was the Emma Peel character in the TV series, 'The Avengers', back in the 60s. Diana Rigg would have been about the same age as her daughter when this 2-part series was made. The likeness is uncanny.

i really enjoyed it, lesbians would love it

The series is well presented but the characters don't develop as much as they could. If you like this, you should read the book. In fact, just read the book anyway because it is brilliant, kudos to Sarah Waters for creating such amazing characters and repeatedly breaking my heart.

Not to be missed!! I can't wait for this series to come to the ABC. I absolutely loved it, all aspects of it. Nan, the central character, tells a story of love, woe, being on top of the world, and then falling so quickly you actually feel her pain. There are sex scenes which I feel are erotic without being gaudy, or too much. I watched the 3 episodes all in a row I was so hooked. The actress who plays the character Kitty, at times reminded me of Keira Knightly. There is so much talent spilling from the actors/actresses in this film you will wonder why they aren't more well known. Some familiar faces of British drama and some, to me, unknowns. I absolutely recommend this film to all who enjoy period and British drama. A bit of comedy too as there are some laugh out loud scenes. You'll be glad you watched it.

Brilliant British Dramatic Mini Series.

Absolutely brilliant in every way. Could watch it again and again.

Very well done.

Pleasant, stagey melodrama.

Was absolutely enthralled from beginning to end with this brilliant BBC production. As others have stated pretty "out there" for the BBC, but great storyline, acting, costumes and music. Highly recommended for both women and men!

oh my god this was awful- about 30 seconds into it i wanted to kill Nan. i was so thankful when the dvd stopped, meant i didnt have to keep torturing myself! PLEASE read the book instead. i beg you!

I found this very different to what I'd usually enjoy, but I did enjoy it. Did this really happen in England at that time? Doesn't really matter, but certainly gave me food for thought.

The BBC do it again with this raunchy but tasteful drama set in a debauched Victorian England. Set in an era that seems more tolerant than we are today, this love story holds no bars and is superbly acted with an excellent storyline. Great viewing.

No-one can crank out a yarn like Andrew Davies. For years people have been telling me to watch this show about Victorian era lesbians and that I would love it, and up until now I have avoided it for just that reason. It's not about Victorian era lesbians; yes, that is what 90% of the characters are but it is about infatuation, love, loss, abandonment, bereftness and how people (regardless of their orientation) cope with matters of the heart. The era is not far off irrelevant, I suspect it is just an excuse for the BBC to play their strong suit of costume drama. The writing and camerawork are excellent, and it is a very easy show to watch. While there is flesh and activity it is hardly tittilating; if that is in any way a requirement this is not the show for you.

Good production design & costuming, but the plot is a bit thin.