Tipping the Velvet : The Complete BBC Series [2002]

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

The product is "Tipping the Velvet", an unashamed exploration of gender and lesbian sexuality in Victorian England that deliberately questions manhood and womanhood, and the space between the two. We follow the protagonist, Nan Astley, on a bildungsroman from innocence to experience, through love and betrayal, from cross-dressing entertainment halls to dildo-wielding dominatrixes to proto-socialist paradise. If it sounds at all crude, it isn't - "Tipping the Velvet" *is* explicit, but the focus of the adaptation is not Nan's sexual initiations but her emotional trials. Her sexual explorations are part and parcel of this, but at no point does it degenerate into gratuitous displays. On the contrary, the sex scenes are accomplished with a commendable grace and poise, removing the usual aura of sordidness that surrounds the portrayal of same-sex relationships. The themed imagery comes thick and fact - the title itself being a euphemism - and begs us to think about the implications of acting, queerness, femininity, moral norms and love.

Furthermore, the overall standard of production itself is high, while Andrew Davies' script is spot-on for tone and characterisation. A few anachronistic slips can be forgiven I think. :-)

Overall, excellent thought-provoking entertainment for people of all sexual persuasions.


Tipping the Velvet   February 19, 2003
 19 out of 21 found this review helpful

I watched this movie to see Keeley Hawes, who I thought was fantastic as Lizzy Hexam in Our Mutual friend, but I discovered Rachel Stirling! As an innocent girl on her journey of life, love and self awareness, she is at once beautiful, innocent and completely believable in this lovely, wonderfully acted story which, though classified as a lesbian film, goes way beyond mere sexuality and gender.
As usual, British filmmakers get it right with their casting, as even the smaller characters just fit. You'll recognize familiar faces, but you'll not be able to keep your eyes or heart off Stirling.
Go get this movie; you will have a new perspective on love, friendship and , well, maybe life in general.


Great, but not as good as the book   December 18, 2005
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

I watched this on the BBC when it was first on and loved every minute of it. It is beautifully acted and put together so well that it really was a pleasure to watch.

However, having watched it several times, i felt is should really read the book, which is absolutely superb. It is so well written. If you are thinkng about renting or buying this i would strongly suggest doing so but i would say read the book first!!!


This is a must see!!!!!!!!   June 10, 2003
 16 out of 18 found this review helpful

I am so very glad I found this film. This is simply the best program I have ever seen!!!! I must say that British television is constantly amazing me. Rachael Sterling and Keeley Hawes are absolutely flawless in their portrayal as Nan and Kitty. Through the entire program you feel as if you were going through all the exciting and surprising events that Nan is experiencing. I recommend it to all kinds of people. Whether your a lesbian or not it is a wonderful story about love, betrayal and new beginnings. I am an American and I believe that England is absolutely #1 in creating outstanding programs!!!! THIS IS A MUST BUY!!!!!