North & South

During this last week I’ve been watching the 2004 BBC miniseries North & South on television. So called custome drama’s made by the BBC are always of a high quality, but this series is absolutely exquisite. You all know I’m a huge fan of the Pride & Prejudice miniseries, but I must honestly say North & South is even better. Like P&P, North & South is also a book adaptation; from writer Elizabeth Gaskell. The story takes place somewhat later than P&P, during the Industrial Revolution. Where life in P&P sometimes seems rather easy and ‘dreamy’, life in North & South is rough, difficult and troublesome. The series has a lot to offer. A romance, an insight into the effects of the industrial revolution and a study of the battles of conscience of those divided by industrial dispute - the impact on family and social responsibilities.

Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe are absolutely brilliant as the two leading characters John Thornton and Margaret Hale. The supporting parts are well cast, the sets are convincing and the story is both interesting and compelling. The series is entertaining and informative at the same time. So, if you ever get the chance to watch it, do so!

The BBC viewers voted massively for North & South in the BBC Drama website’s Best of 2004 awards. The series won Best Drama, Best Actor, Best Actress, three of the top five favourite moments consisted of moments from N&S and Richard Armitage was voted as most desirable drama star. I couldn’t agree more! I’m totally smitten… again… I can’t resist a dark haired, British man in costume…

After watching the series I could no longer resist and decided to buy the BBC Miniseries Classics box, which contains North & South, Charles II, Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Byron. I’m just a sucker for BBC period drama…

You can find the BBC’s North & South website here. Do try to avoid spoilers if you are intending to watch the series in the future!