Upstairs Downstairs 2010 delight

Lady Agnes, Sir Hallam, their family and staff in the reception hall of 165 Eaton Place.

Back row (on stairs) L-R: Ivy Morris (Ellie Kendrick), Harry Spargo (Neil Jackson), Mr Pritchard (Adrian Scarborough) and Rose Buck (Jean Marsh) 

Front row L-R: Maud, Lady Holland (Eileen Atkins), Lady Persie (Claire Foy), Johnny Proude (Nico Mirallegro), Mr Amanjit (Art Malik), Lady Agnes Holland (Keeley Hawes), Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard) and Mrs Thackeray (Anne Reid)

Must admit I am not usually overly keen in period dramas I usually watch one or two episodes like Downtown Abbey, Larkrise and Mad Men to then miss a few and completely fall out of the plot of it and therefore give up on them. Upstairs downstairs the BBC's latest offering however had me hooked, viewed over three consecutive nights meant it was perfect for me to keep with it. 

I adored everything about this short series, the glamour,  the elaborate sets, the social history and the story-line. Upstairs Downstairs is the 2010 reincarnation of the 1970's iconic weekly show, set in a London Townhouse- 165 Eaton Place to be exact , in 1936. It sees the house divided in two, upstairs the wealthy elite masters, downstairs the servants courters. 

I have never seen the original Upstairs Downstairs, the reason my mum gave for be put off watching it, however this series opened with Sir Hallam and his wife Lady Agnes becoming the new occupiers of the now derelict no.165. Reviving the house in a whole new era with the help of original series actress Jean Marsh whom is the homes backbone and is now promoted to the housekeeper.  

I found the acting strong and powerful and Keeley Hawes character in particular although quite stern had upperlipped you did still warm to her characteristics. The costumes designed by Amy Roberts were exquisite - glamour of a bygone time. Although the troublesome Lady Persie stole the show with her array of clothing from her evening-wear attire (even her silk nightie was lustful), high waisted trousers and tie bow blouse, to her Chanel-esque twinset.  see some of the stills below. 

If you have missed the 3 part episode be sure to catch up on BBC iplayer still available for another week: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x2yj7/episodes/player 

Maud, Lady Holland (Eileen Atkins), Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard), Lady Agnes Holland (Keeley Hawes)

I hope I look this glamourous when pregnant. 

Lady Persie (Claire Foy)

Richard and Lady Marjorie Bellamy from original 1970's series

 The Brave, The Bold and The Broadway.

Broadwalk Empire HBO

I am now even more egaely waiting Broadwalk Empire HBO's 1920's ganster sensenation said to by hitting our screens in Feburary on Sky1. Featuring one of my all time favourite actors Steve Buscemi, I have high hopes for this said 'new mad men' series. 

Find out more and watch clips at HBO's Broadwalk Empire site