Latest news with #TheEnglishGame
Edinburgh Live
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Period drama 'like Downton Abbey' with 'wealth of talent' now streaming on Amazon Prime
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It seems Julian Fellowes' affinity for period dramas knows no bounds. The mastermind behind hits like Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, The English Game, and The Gilded Age has conjured up another captivating tale, Belgravia, set in 19th century England. This six-part drama kicks off with a pivotal historical event - the Duchess of Richmond's ball in June 1815, which took place just 48 hours prior to the Battle of Waterloo. At its core, Belgravia revolves around the intricate lives of the Trenchard and Bellasis families, expertly navigating a complex web of scandals, romance, societal pressures, and class politics, quintessential elements of the period drama genre. Under the creative guidance of Fellowes, and directed by John Alexander, Belgravia is an adaptation of Julian's 2016 novel of the same name. Notably, it brings together the same production team that brought Downton Abbey to life, reports the Mirror US. Widely regarded as the champion of period dramas, comparisons to Julian's monumental success with Downton Abbey are almost unavoidable. Weighing in on this very aspect in an interview with Town and Country, Julian said: "I think [Belgravia] it's darker than Downton. "The servants are working people; they're doing their jobs because those are the jobs that were available. It's not sentimental. "It's a sharper world." The limited series first aired in the UK on ITV on 15 March 2020, and made its US debut on Epix on 12 April 2020. A sequel series, Belgravia: The Next Chapter, was quickly greenlit and announced in September 2022, with the show making its premiere on ITV in January 2024, under the pen of Helen Edmundson. The cast boasts a wealth of talent, including Alice Eve, Ella Purnell, Tamsin Greig, Richard Goulding, and Emily Reid, alongside Tom Wilkinson, Harriet Walter, Philip Glenister, and Tara Fitzgerald. Critics have had varied responses to the show, with one saying: "Belgravia has all the touchstones of a bodice-ripper. Great romance and thrilling revenge. "And the usual coterie of leaching and sneering in-laws." Another critic commented: "Though billed as a showcase for state-of-the-art costume drama, the six-part bonnet-fest feels more like a one-stop shop for all the worst excesses and boredoms of a genre that has outlived its usefulness." A different review wrote: "Belgravia is gorgeously appointed, it's romantic enough, it's grounded in the manners of a far more delicate time when everyone stood six-feet apart lest they bump hands." While another critic observed: "Belgravia errs on the wrong side of that divide, but it is so well-appointed that it is never less than beautiful to watch, just like 'Downton'. "For some, the finery will win out over refinement." Audience feedback leaned towards the positive, with one viewer exclaiming: "Incredible show! "Nothing was obvious, it kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. Loved the complexity of the characters, the authenticity of the costumes and overall atmosphere. "Highly recommend!". Meanwhile, another wrote: "Wonderful series! "The storyline is gripping from the very first episode. There is no woke political ideology that spoils so many films and series these days. "Brilliant, authentic acting and casting in the excellent period production. So many movies and series try and fail to promote female empowerment; however, Belgravia delivers this message superbly." Belgravia is available to buy on Amazon Prime Video.
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Incredible' period drama 'just like Downton Abbey' you can now stream
The six-part period drama series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video UK now Julian Fellowes seemingly can't stay away from the allure of period dramas. The mind behind Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, The English Game, and The Gilded Age now graces us with another historical series - Belgravia. Belgravia unfurls in the 19th century and takes its initial bow at an event that is engraved in history - the Duchess of Richmond's ball of June 1815, a notable affair just days before the Battle of Waterloo. Centring on the intrigues of the Trenchard and Bellasis families, the show dives headfirst into familiar territory for devotees of period drama, complete with clandestine scandals, high-society relationships, and the intricate dance of class politics. Under John Alexander's direction and sprung from the imagination of Julian Fellowes, Belgravia is crafted from Julian's own 2016 novel of the same name and reunites the production crew that brought Downton Abbey to life, reports the Mirror US. Regarded by many as the undisputed monarch of the period piece, Julian's work inevitably draws comparisons to his giant success with Downtown Abbey. Sharing his thoughts with Town and Country, Julian said: "I think [Belgravia] it's darker than Downton. The servants are working people; they're doing their jobs because those are the jobs that were available. It's not sentimental. It's a sharper world." The limited series initially debuted on ITV in the UK on March 15, 2020, followed by its release in the US on Epix on April 12, 2020. After its release, a sequel, titled Belgravia: The Next Chapter, was promptly commissioned and announced in September 2022, with Helen Edmundson on board as its writer and developer. The show premiered on ITV in January 2024. A blend of new and returning faces comprised the cast of Belgravia, including Alice Eve, Ella Purnell, Tamsin Greig, Richard Goulding, Emily Reid, Tom Wilkinson, Harriet Walter, Philip Glenister, and Tara Fitzgerald. Upon its release, reviews were rather mixed. One said: "Belgravia has all the touchstones of a bodice-ripper. "Great romance and thrilling revenge. And the usual coterie of leaching and sneering in-laws." However, others expressed differing sentiments, such as this critic, who mentioned, "Though billed as a showcase for state-of-the-art costume drama, the six-part bonnet-fest feels more like a one-stop shop for all the worst excesses and boredoms of a genre that has outlived its usefulness." By contrast, another critic observed: "Belgravia is gorgeously appointed, it's romantic enough, it's grounded in the manners of a far more delicate time when everyone stood six-feet apart lest they bump hands." Additionally, a reviewer shared that while Belgravia veered off course, it remained captivating due to its intricate visuals: "Belgravia errs on the wrong side of that divide, but it is so well-appointed that it is never less than beautiful to watch, just like 'Downton'. "For some, the finery will win out over refinement." Audience feedback leaned towards the positive, with one viewer writing: "Incredible show! "Nothing was obvious, it kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. Loved the complexity of the characters, the authenticity of the costumes and overall atmosphere. Highly recommend!". Another chimed in with: "Wonderful series! ! The storyline is gripping from the very first episode. "There is no woke political ideology that spoils so many films and series these days. Brilliant, authentic acting and casting in the excellent period production. "So many movies and series try and fail to promote female empowerment; however, Belgravia delivers this message superbly."
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix 'beautiful' period drama 'as good as The Crown'
The English Game is a period drama that shows viewers how football was born as we know it today The period drama set in the 1870s, 'The English Game', delves into the intriguing origins of what is now Britain's most beloved sport. Premiered in 2020, the miniseries throws a spotlight on the genesis of football in Britain, with an emphasis on the era's class stratification. Both aficionados of historical drama and football have commended the show for its depiction of the prevailing class order and its heartfelt portrayal of the fervour surrounding the burgeoning sport. One enthusiast expressed their enjoyment on Rotten Tomatoes, saying: "Greatly enjoyed the story, characters, setting, drama, and resolutions. Beautifully crafted." Another added: "Absolutely superb. The best series I've watched in a while. Captivating and enthralling.", reports Surrey Live. Set during the nascent stages of the game, football is presented as a fledgling, amateur pastime monopolised by the upper echelons of society. A silent transformation is underway in this backdrop, spearheaded by James Walsh, who owns a working-class team. He has his eyes set on the covertly talented duo, Fergus Suter and Jimmy Love, to bolster his squad for a formidable encounter. This clash sees them pitted against the prestigious Old Etonians, with their influence firmly entrenched in the FA and players doubling as board members. As these established hierarchies defy the sanctity of the sport's rules, the prospects for working-class players soar, signalling monumental changes on the horizon for football. Kevin Guthrie stars as Fergus Suter, believed to be the first discernible professional footballer who, despite his Scottish roots, moved to England to play for Blackburn Rovers. Arthur Kinnaird, a central figure throughout the series, is depicted as a wealthy aristocrat and star player for the Etonians team. His character is inspired by a real-life individual who was instrumental in shaping the game, portrayed by Edward Holcroft, famed for his role in The Kingsman. One critic said: "The costume and production design is immersive; it's all quite gorgeously shot, and the whole stands alongside The Crown in showing that Netflix can get this stuff done every bit as well as the BBC." Another viewer added: "Good show. It starts off a little slow but quickly picks it up and turns into a very enjoyable show. Really good acting, and the story keeps you engaged. It is based off of real events, and it seems like they did a decent job of portraying them. Some of the side plots seem a little useless, but that's just par for the course. Definitely a good watch." Despite being a short series with only six episodes, it covers a significant amount of content, making it an easy binge-watch for those seeking their next period drama fix. However, some viewers have pointed out inaccuracies, expressing disappointment over the "no mention of Sheffield rules". Immerse yourself in the drama of 1800s football by tuning into The English Game, now streaming on Netflix.
