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mapp and lucia?

(35 Posts)
Jane10 Tue 30-Dec-14 09:03:43

What did people think about this bbc version? I loved the old channel 4 one on years ago. I adore the books and was worried modern tv might not capture the nuances but it was OK. Certainly 'Tilling' looked perfect.

Teetime Tue 30-Dec-14 09:18:17

Yes Jane I agree Tilling did look wonderful. I enjoyed the E F Benson books years a go and the version with Prunella Scales as Mapp, Nigel Hawthorn (Bertie) and I think Geraldine McEwan as Lucia. I think Miranda Richardson is a bit hampered by the joke teeth. I'll keep watching as the stories are delicious.

annsixty Tue 30-Dec-14 09:19:11

I loved it Jane perhaps not quite as true to the books as the other version but the acting was superb and Rye looked perfect.

Stansgran Tue 30-Dec-14 09:55:19

Loved the books but felt a bit apprehensive about this new version. I've got company at the moment so the tv is not on(company has gone up to Hadrians wall which is why I'm taking time out.

ninathenana Tue 30-Dec-14 10:02:31

So DH and I were right, it was Rye smile we haven't been for several years but thought we recognised it. It's a beautiful little town. We have a photo of DC aged 7 and 10 approx taken at the top of the church tower.

I haven't read the books or seen the C4 production. I enjoyed it but DH was bored stiff so I don't think I bother with any more.

PRINTMISS Tue 30-Dec-14 10:11:14

I found it very enjoyable, about the only decent thing on!

Jane10 Tue 30-Dec-14 10:13:42

Read the books nina they are hilarious vignettes of ever so polite bitching and are beautifully written. I love EF Benson. I gather there`s an EF Benson appreciation society which meets annually in Rye which is where EF Benson located the stories in the first place so its an obvious location to film in. It cant have changed much since the books were first written. I don't think its a "mens" programme!

Veryoldbear Tue 30-Dec-14 11:09:23

Men can appreciate it. Jolly good manly stuff, particularly for us tweed-clad ex-Indian Army types. Quai-Hai! (said he, draining his Scotch and Soda and falling over)

Ana Tue 30-Dec-14 11:12:20

grin

TerriBull Tue 30-Dec-14 11:15:57

Yes definitely Rye, it looked very beautiful, it's a lovely place was there a couple of years ago.

Jane10 Tue 30-Dec-14 11:18:18

Mind your bibelots veryoldbear!

MiniMouse Tue 30-Dec-14 11:20:04

Have recorded it, but haven't watched it yet. I have wondered what Dames Judi and Maggie would be like in the roles - Dame Maggie with the put_downs?!

ninathenana Tue 30-Dec-14 11:38:59

Whenever I see you post now Veryoldbear I will have a picture of that character in my head smile

HildaW Tue 30-Dec-14 14:52:33

I enjoyed it and yet also found Miranda Richardson's teeth a distraction....an actress of her calibre could have acted 'toothy' I am sure. Unfortunately I found myself paying them more attention than quite necessary.

rubysong Tue 30-Dec-14 15:32:03

I enjoyed it. It was lovely to see gardens in all their summer glory, also the old houses and cars. The story is a very funny poke at small town society. I think Miranda Richardson gave a very 'Prunella Scales' type performance.

Eloethan Tue 30-Dec-14 18:59:34

I haven't read the books and watched for about 20 minutes but didn't find it at all amusing.

We had a weekend away in East Sussex in the summer and went for a day out to Rye. It is a lovely place - with some fabulous tea shops!

FlicketyB Wed 31-Dec-14 13:23:51

It is a delight, and most of the characterisations - and how the characters look - are very close to the previous version. The big difference is Anna Chancellor as Lucia and I find her much better than Geraldine McEwan ( I think) in the previous version. GM was too OTT for my taste .AC is much more naturalistic in her approach to the part so she is much more at one with the rest of the cast.

Soutra Wed 31-Dec-14 13:28:51

I think if you do not know the books (and love them) it might be quite difficult to "get" Mapp and Lucia, I am one of those who love the boks and am enjoying this dramatisation. Mt late MIL was a guide at Lamb House (Mallards) for many years and a former teaching colleague and her husband had Lamb Cottage as a weekend/holiday home. I have many happy memories of Rye from the years my in laws lived there.

Nonu Wed 31-Dec-14 14:29:12

I haven't got round to watching the new series , too busy with other . I did so enjoy the original, maybe some 30 odd years ago.
I like the books although SOMETIMES they can be a bit SLOW, thing with reading a book about something you have seen on TV, you get that in your minds eye [well I do anyway] .
tchsmile

janerowena Wed 31-Dec-14 14:33:57

I used to live near Rye, so often went there for my shopping. I was there this summer, visiting my mother who lives nearby. I always think of Lamb's House as EF Benson's, I so loved the Mapp and Lucia books. I thought the acting was superb, and the photography certainly showed Rye at its best.

Anyone who has been there will know that in a couple of the streets, the idea of getting the Rolls out to get to a house two doors up is not such a silly idea. Non-slip climbing boots and a rope would be very welcome.

Deedaa Wed 31-Dec-14 21:21:34

I love the Mapp and Lucia books. My mother always used to say that they were just like her aunts who were constantly at war. Having seen photo's of them - Elizabethan pageants and all - I can quite believe it.

Not certain whether this is as good as the Prunella Scales/Geraldine McEwan version (Prunella Scales was so gorgeously awful as Mapp) but I am enjoying it.

gma Wed 31-Dec-14 22:16:45

Just finished watching Mapp and Lucia, and what a joy it was! Had not seen the earlier C4 series, so was all new to me. Beautifully acted, and beautifully filmed. Miranda Richardson was stunning as usual,( shades of Queenie from Blackadder) and Anna Chancellor adorable, infact the whole cast were brilliant, BBC take note, More of the same please!!

Jane10 Thu 01-Jan-15 11:27:12

I reckon they must be planning to continue: the looks between Mapp and Col Flint etc The possibility of marriage between Lucia and Georgie etc. I wont give any spoilers here though! I think Miranda Richardson was terrific but wasn't so sure about Lucia. She didn't seem to come across as a strong enough character. I loved Diva! I always like that actress. Not sure why "Quaint Irene" was so heavily made up -not in character. Brave of EF Benson so have such clearly gay characters when homosexuality for men was a criminal offence. The whole programme was so beautiful visually. Well done BBC.

whitewave Thu 01-Jan-15 11:42:38

Agree with all the comments. Colours glorious, acting excellent.

merlotgran Thu 01-Jan-15 11:49:24

We gave up after the first half hour as DH was bored stiff. I think I might give it another go on iPlayer though.