Autumn Cottage Diarist

UK ALERT! The Victorian Farm - Thursday 8 January - BBC2 9pm

For those of you who loved BBC2's gem of a series "Tales from The Green Valley" in 2005, here is another six part series that promises to be unmissable. The Victorian Farm begins here tomorrow, again on BBC2, at 9pm.

One of the main participants, Alex Langlands - who is also studying (for a PhD) at the same University as me, has kindly given me permission to show you these images from what promises to be another engrossing and well researched series. I can't wait - don't miss it! - and I'll report back after the first programme.

'Tis Charming and Delightful...

Sense and Sensibility

 Very spoiled here in the UK on the TV at the moment – the BBC has this evening finished showing a new, three part adaption of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”, while in the prior slot , a 10 part adaptation of Flora Thompson’s “Lark Rise to Candleford” has begun. Both have been beautifully produced, doing what the BBC does so well, sensitive attention to detail – lighting, costumes, casting – all are, and have been superb. 

I was lucky enough to see the wonderful National Theatre Production of Lark Rise to Candleford in 1978 with the glorious music of The Albion Band  (do, do, listen to some of these music clips and if you love folk music, buy the cd) – so I was a little apprehensive of seeing the current BBC production – but it is different enough not to be compared. The costumes are perfect, and the sets seem to be animated versions of the beautiful old Victorian sepia prints of the era of Francis Frith. 

I will certainly be taking my seat for the next nine weeks – if you get the opportunity, in the UK, try to catch at least one or two episodes - elsewhere, look out for the DVD's!

Lark Rise with Dawn French (the Vicar of Dibley) - images thanks to BBC drama