Tipping the Velvet

Synopsis

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.

First Air Date: 2002-12-09

Last Air Date: 2002-12-23

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 3

Created By: Andrew Davies

Networks: BBC Two

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Rachael Stirling as Nan Astley
Keeley Hawes as Kitty Butler
Jodhi May as Florence Banner
Anna Chancellor as Diana Lethaby
Sally Hawkins as Zena Blake
Bernice Stegers as Mrs. Denby
John Bowe as Walter Bliss
Janet Henfrey as Mrs. Jex
Sara Stockbridge as Dickie
Di Botcher as Woman with Cigar

Seasons

Season 1 (2002)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Episode 1 (2002-12-09)

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.
Ep. 2: Episode 2 (2002-12-16)

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.
Ep. 3: Episode 3 (2002-12-23)

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...