Are you a fan of Downtown Abbey like me? Struggling to fill your week before the next Sunday installment of Lady Mary and Cousin Matthew?
If so I've compiled a list of fabulous period drama's for you to sink your teeth into. I've compiled it into a top ten so why not order yourself boxset and sit down to some brilliant Nostalgic Telly.
If you like Downton Abbey here are some other suggestions I know you'll love.
1. Downton Abbey
I had to make this the top of the list (sorry I know its simple) but I am biased, living very close to the real Downton Abbey Highclere Castle, I've been a big fan of the Julian Fellowes drama since it hit the UK screens in 2010. Why should I watch this: A superstar ensemble cast, some of the core faces of British period drama are woven into this fabulous documentation of the final days of the Upstairs Downstairs life of the British Upper Class starting with the sinking of the Titanic through (in the boxset above) to the end of the 1st world war. It really captures the shifting sands in social class and politics with a witty script and absolutely gorgeous visuals thanks to stunning work by the costume department and brilliant set locations.
2. From Time to Time
This one I personally guarantee any Dontown fan will adore. From Time to Time is set during the Second World War, this story isn't to far apart from that of the Crawley's and that's not the only similarity between the two.
Why Should I watch this: We'll this is another number from Mr Fellowes to start with. You'll find the cast familiar too- the insatiable Maggie Smith and the charming Hugh Bonneville both take lead roles supported by Dominic West of The Wire and Devils Whore fame. This film is based on Lucy M Boston's The Chimneys of Green Knowe. It weaves the stories of one family through two times, through the ghosts that inhabit their family home of Greene Knowe. Can the past help save the demise and sale of their historic home?
3. Glorious '39
Glorious 39 slipped me by when it was released in 2010, I recently caught it on BBC iplayer and loved it so much I watched it again later that evening so my husband could enjoy it. It's something a little different. A thriller that could of escaped Hitchcock, set in the idyllic English Countryside. Why watch it? It has a cast list to rival pretty much any and every period drama. From Bill Nighy to David Tennant, Romola Garai, Christopher Lee, Hugh Bonneville, and Julie Christie. It's like the Famous Five for grown ups with twists all the way through. It's not your usual cosy romantic vintage drama and thats' probably the best reason to try it.
4. Goodnight Sweetheart
For me Goodnight Sweetheart offers a double dose of nostalgia, Gary Sparrow (Nicholas Lyndhurst) is possibly the luckiest man in Cricklewood. He's been given the ability to travel back to the Second World War via an alleyway in the East End. This six series Rom-Dram-Com follows his travels between the Blitz and his life in the 90's with wife Yvonne. It reminds me so much of my childhood, all the key moment of the pre-millennium decade are covered from the introduction of new technology, the build of the dome and the labour party's return to power. Why Watch it? Its not the best written show but its charming, easy to watch and brilliantly escapist. Who wouldn't want to escape the modern world every so often to step back in time? Lyndhurst shows his breadth of acting ability supported by a good cast. This will make you smile for sure.
5. Life on Mars
If you've not seen this I'd advise you to order the boxset on next day delivery and cancel your plans for the weekend. Life on Mars is one of the best tv shows to come out of the UK in the last decade. Another Timetravel based plot. DI Sam Tyler (John Simm- The Devils Whore) is transported via a car accident to the world of his childhood- 1970's Manchester and subjected to the caveman style policing methods of DCI Gene Hunt (Phillip Glenister- Cranford) whilst trying to work out how to get home. Why should I watch it? It's nostalgia in fluro. If I had to give you one reason it be for Glenisters amazing one liners starting with "They reckon you've got concussion – but personally, I couldn't give a tart's furry cup if half your brains are falling out. Don't ever waltz into my kingdom playing king of the jungle."
6. The Box of Delights
If you love Christmas (who doesn't) and Period Drama's then The Box of Delights is a must see. You'll have to suspend your disbelief for some the special effects which were cutting edge in 1984 but don't really live up to standard 30 years later. That said this film is absolutely magical based on John Masefields childrens book of the same name. About Kay Harker who befriends an old man who gifts him a box steeped in "old magic" that enables him to have brilliant adventures fighting against the forces of evil new magic, set against the backdrop of the 1930s. Why Should I watch this? You'll feel like a kid again. Its just magical. No other words necessary.
7. Bright Young Things
Bright Young Things is written and Directed by Stephen Fry and stars Jim Broadbent , James McAvoy, David Tennant and Michael Sheen. hy Should I watch this? Did you read the above? Seriously although critics panned Fry's Directorial debut's glossy slant on Celebutantes and the declining upper class in 1930's London is savvy and relevant. It's definitely a grower. But for just £3 on amazon you cant really go wrong.
8. Finding Neverland
Historically inaccurate and completely strung out of fiction Finding Neverland is loosely based on Peter Pan's creator J M Barrie and the relationship he has with a set of brothers who inspire his writing. Why Should I watch it? Both Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet perform well and the younger cast are all impressive to. Its fluffy and feel good wrapped in a pretty Edwardian package.
9. The Kings Speech
I couldn't do a blog on period dramas set in the 20th century without mentioning The Kings Speech. This fabulous drama set the world alight. It documents the story of King George VI's unusual path to becoming Monarch and his relationship with his self styled Speech therapist.Why should I watch it? If you haven't watched it yet you're missing out on one of the best films of this decade.
10. Upstairs Downstairs
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