The first episode of Belgravia hasn’t even aired yet and already it’s been described as the next Downton Abbey.
No pressure there, then.
The new Julian Fellowes-penned Sunday night drama certainly looks the part, though.
From the impeccable historical detail to the impeccable cast, Belgravia recreates the early Victorian era perfectly.
A little too perfectly according to Tamsin Greig – who found the corsets uncomfortably accurate!
“It was hard, especially when you’re not used to being constricted in that way,” she laughed.
“Anything you do in those costumes takes a mental and biological reorganisation. There is no way to prepare for that, unless you spend your time before filming wearing a corset!
“It turns out that the body needs to be able to move and breathe and stay healthy!
“In 1841, crinoline was not invented, so women had to wear four or five heavy petticoats underneath their dress.
“Obviously, we had to wear that because it’s such an incredibly authentic production. That way, the actors are completely immersed in the experience of the otherness of being alive back then.”
Tamsin plays the intelligent and elegant Anne Trenchard, from an upwardly mobile family in London. Her political manoeuvring amongst the Victorian nobility is what drives Belgravia.
“What I was intrigued by was the fact that even though women seemed less powerful at that time, Julian has put two women centre stage and has focused on their power, which is that they have secrets about the continuation of the family line,” explained Tamsin.
“It’s what they do with that information which drives the story.
“Belgravia is about the rise of the middle classes and the nouveaux riche overtaking the entitled aristocracy. But what unites Anne and Lady Brockenhurst and jumps over all social classes is grief.
“That’s the thing that drives Anne to reveal to Lady Brockenhurst that she has an heir. It is women who hold that information, and that’s the most powerful thing.”
Life On Mars’ Philip Glenister co-stars, and Tamsin appreciated his presence.
“I loved it. I had never worked with him before,” she said “I was excited about it, and it really lived up to expectations. It felt very honest and very present working with him.
“He is also very funny and great company. He has a lovely sense of playfulness. Time goes very quickly when you’re doing scenes with Philip.”
Belgravia, tonight, ITV, 9pm
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