Tipping The Velvet

Synopsis: Originally produced in the U.K. for BBC1, where it first aired on October 9, 2002, the three-part minseries Tipping the Velvet was adapted from Sarah Waters' bestselling debut novel of the same name. Set in the 1890s, the series focuses on the romance between Nancy Astley (played by Rachel Stirling, daughter of actress Diana Rigg), a cook in the seaside restaurant owned by her father, and Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a musical hall entertainer specializing in male impersonation. Given the strict (and somewhat hypocritical) moral restrictions of the Victorian era, the lesbian relationship between Nancy and Kitty must be kept a closely guarded secret, except in the hedonistic "underground" circles in which the actress and her libertine friends travel. Though Nancy is devoted to Kitty, she begins to wonder if her devotion is worth abandoning the traditionalist values that she was brought up with. Tipping the Velvet was brought to the US by way of the BBC America digital-cable service beginning May 23, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide 

Starring:  Rachael Stirling, Keeley Hawes, Anna Chancellor 

Director:  Geoffrey Sax

Writer:  
Andrew Davies (screenplay)
Sarah Waters (novel)

Released:  2002 (TV)

Rating:  NR

Country:  UK

Language:  English