Netflix viewers rush to watch 'astonishing' three-part Cilla Black drama
Netflix subscribers have been praising a three-part drama featuring Sheridan Smith, which recently debuted on the streaming platform.
Originally broadcast on ITV in 2014, Cilla stars Sheridan as the legendary singer Cilla Black.
The series delves into the early stages of Cilla's career and explores how her life was transformed upon meeting Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles.
Sheridan is joined by a stellar cast including Aneurin Barnard as Cilla's husband Bobby, Ed Stoppard portraying Brian Epstein, John Henshaw as Cilla's father, and Melanie Hill as Cilla's mother.
The official synopsis for Cilla reads: "'Cilla' tells of her rocky rise to fame and will capture the essence of 1960s Liverpool, the atmosphere of promise and excitement as the Merseybeat music scene was on the verge of exploding in a blaze of tight-fitting skirts, stiletto heels, and beehives."
It further elaborates: "A young, unknown Cilla works in the austere environs of the typists' pool at a local company, dreaming of stardom. The drama looks at how she met the two men who came to love her and ultimately fought over her - future husband Bobby Willis and legendary manager Brian Epstein, the tragic young businessman who also guided the career of The Beatles.
"We learn how Cilla's burgeoning friendship with John, Paul, George, and Ringo - the four young men who went on to conquer the music world - shaped her career.
"It was family friend Ritchie Starkey (Ringo), the teddy-boy with a greasy quiff, who helped her to cross paths with Brian Epstein and producer George Martin, who were to launch her career with recording sessions at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios."
The series has garnered high praise from viewers, many of whom have lauded Sheridan Smith's stunning representation of Cilla, née Priscilla Maria Veronica White, reports Surrey Live.
"Brilliant portrayal of Cilla by Sheridan Smith, who also sings all the songs! Wow! The whole cast were fabulous. One not to be missed," exclaimed one viewer on Google.
Another telly buff penned: "Brilliant. Loved this series, Smith always smashes it," while another chimed in, adding: "Great performance by all and gives a great feel for the early 60's in Liverpool."
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