Entertainment

Thursday, 9 April, 2015 - 17:39

My top 6 period dramas

by FrancesS

I am a huge period drama fan. Actually I would say that I am an addict! One of my favourite things to do is to settle on the sofa with a cup of tea and start watching a period drama. Many people know period dramas such as Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice but I would like to share some of my favourites that are less well known.

Lost in Austen (ITV, 2008)
A modern day woman called Amanda is obsessed with Pride and Prejudice. One day she meets Elizabeth Bennet in her bathroom. The two women switch places so Amanda travels back in time and meets all of the characters from her favourite novel. This series is so funny, if you loved Pride and Prejudice, you should definitely watch Lost in Austen!

Northanger Abbey (ITV, 2007)
ITV made an adaptation of Jane Austen’s least famous book. It is about a young girl called Catherine who loves reading gothic novels. She goes to the English city Bath and meets the charming Mr Tilney at a ball. Catherine is invited to Mr Tilney's family home, Northanger Abbey which is full of secrets ... 

North and South (BBC, 2004)
Margaret is from the South of England and she moves to the North of England. She discovers that life is very different in the North. Margaret meets factory owner Mr Thornton and thinks that he is a cruel man. However, Mr Thornton quickly falls in love with her. This adaptation is particularly interesting as it examines different social classes as well as having an unusual love story.

Jane Eyre (BBC, 2006)
Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, this series is full of mystery. It is about a poor governess called Jane Eyre who goes to work at a grand house where she falls in love with the master, Mr Rochester. However, many strange things happen in the house which leads to a dramatic revelation.

Call the Midwife (BBC, 2012-present)
Call the Midwife is based on the memoirs of a midwife who worked in the poor East End of London during the 1950s. There are lots of happy and sad moments so have your tissues at the ready!

The Lost Prince (BBC, 2003)
The Lost Prince is based on a true story about Prince John. He was the son of George V and suffered from severe epilepsy.  The Royal Family tried to hide Prince John away from the public so little was known about him. This is a tragic story but it is fascinating to learn more about his life. 

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Discussion

Have you seen any of these period dramas? Can you recommend any good TV series? 

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