Series synopsis
Tipping the Velvet is a British drama television series that premiered on BBC Two on December 9, 2002. It ended on December 23, 2002. It was created by Andrew Davies. It stars Rachael Stirling, Keeley Hawes, Sally Hawkins and Jodhi May.
A tempestuous tale of love and life as a naïve girl discovers both romance and pain in the hidden, decadent world of bohemian London in the 1890s. Nan Astley embarks on a voyage of emotional and sexual discovery with Kitty Butler, a music hall male impersonator.
Premise
A tempestuous tale of love and life as a naïve girl discovers both romance and pain in the hidden, decadent world of bohemian London in the 1890s. Nan Astley embarks on a voyage of emotional and sexual discovery with Kitty Butler, a music hall male impersonator.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Rachael Stirling as Nan Astley
- Keeley Hawes as Kitty Butler
- Sally Hawkins as Zena Blake
- Jodhi May as Florence Banner
- Anna Chancellor as Diana Lethaby
Guest cast
- Richard Hope as Mr. Astley
- Monica Dolan as Alice Astley
- Annie Hulley as Mrs. Astley
- Peter Kelly as Davy Astley
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Freddy
- Johnny Vegas as Gully Sutherland
- Dean Lennox Kelly as Tony Reeves
- Jim McManus as Tricky Reeves
- William Sleigh as Barber
- Daniel Mays as Jimmy Burns
- Bernice Stegers as Mrs. Denby
- David Webber as Bill
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 3 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | December 9, 2002 | December 23, 2002 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The glamorous world of the 19th -century music hall provides the backdrop for Nan's first love affair with Kitty Butler, a popular male impersonator. When Kitty is offered the chance to perform in London, a delighted Nan accompanies her as a dresser, but true success doesn't happen until Nan becomes part of the act. |
December 9, 2002 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Alone and devastated by her betrayal, Nan cannot return to her family in Whitstable so takes to the streets to survive. In her guise as a male impersonator, she finds a niche in the Victorian sexual underworld and is also drawn into the web of a rich Sapphic society widow who offers sex, excitement and luxury but at a perilous price. |
December 16, 2002 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Diana throws out Nan and Blake and Blake disappears with all of the money leaving a totally destitute Nan. The only person she can think to turn to ends up unwelcoming to her. So begins a very different phase for Nan, which leads ultimately to her making the most important decision of her life... |
December 23, 2002 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Two |
|---|---|
| First aired | December 9, 2002 |
| Last aired | December 23, 2002 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Wednesday at 21:00:00 |