TV Review!
“Bridgerton” on Netflix Review by Suzanne 1/15/21
I’m enjoying this series. It’s a great romantic drama with many plot twists and some humor. The acting is very good, and it has beautiful scenery and other details. If you’re a fan of the great PBS period shows, such as “Upstairs: Downstairs” and “Downton Abbey,” you should love this one, even though it’s not on “Masterpiece: Theater.” It’s produced by Shonda Rimes (“Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “How to Get Away with Murder”) and created by Chris Van Dusen, who worked on “Grey’s” as well. The series is based on novels by Julia Quinn about life in Regency London in the 1800’s.
Most of the action centers around Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her family. Her widowed mother, Violet (Ruth Gemmell) is trying to get her a husband. If you’ve ever watched any of these type of shows before, or read romance novels, you’ll know that they have a debutante season each year, where everyone dresses up, and the ladies dance with prospective suitors. Then one or more of the suitors calls on them at home (properly chaperoned, of course), and one eventually proposes. The women are treated more like belongings than people, and they usually have a sizable dowry that goes to the husband when they’re married. Everyone has to be particularly careful to avoid any kind of scandal.
Daphne is a smart and beautiful young women, but she’s naïve in the ways of the world. Most of the young men she dances with don’t interest her. She meets her brother’s friend, a duke named Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page). Like most of these romance stories, they don’t like each other too much at first, but then they start getting attracted to each other. He isn’t looking for a wife, and she benefits from having a duke court her (so that others will be more interested). They make a plan to look like they’re interested in each other; then, of course, they fall for each other. However, they still face many obstacles.
This is a large ensemble series, so there are other relationships, and stories for her brothers and the other main family on the show, The Featheringtons. We’re told at the beginning that the Bridgertons are all handsome and beautiful, whereas the Featheringtons are not. The show is narrated by Julie Andrews as a gossip-writer, Lady Whistledown. Besides the drama, the show makes a point of letting us know how difficult life was back then for women (even those with money and status).
There are a few things I could quibble about, such as the fact that I had trouble telling Anthony, the oldest Bridgerton son, apart from Benedict, the middle Bridgerton son. Also, I found it odd that the Duke, when trying to use his , shall we say, home version of birth control, was successful, with all of the sex they’d had (in real life, that method is only 78% effective). I’m very glad that the last episode tied everything up pretty neatly, including letting us know who “Lady Whistledown” really is.
Although the show is set in 1813, it doesn’t have an all-white cast, including the nobles. In fact, the queen – Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) – is black. The duke and many other characters are black or Asian. Some of this is rooted in history because Queen Charlotte was rumored to be black. The rest is just literary license. Although the show does look very authentic for its time (to this layperson), it’s not. Also, some of the music they use in the background is modern. If that kind of thing doesn’t bother you, then you should watch it. You’ll be glad you did because it’s very binge-worthy.
MORE INFORMATION:
TIME SLOT:
completed airing its current season
CURRENT SEASON:
1 (8 episodes)
VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
completed airing its first season on 12/25/20; has yet to be renewed for a second season
DESCRIPTION:
(from Netflix’s web site, December 2020) The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels.
PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
· Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
· Ben Miller as Lord Featherington
· Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
· Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
· Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
· Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
· Harriet Cains as Philippa Featherington
· Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
· Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown (Voice)
· Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
· Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
· Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
· Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich
· Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
· Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton
· Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington
· Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset
· Ruby Barker as Marina Thompson
· Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton
· Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton
· Sabrina Bartlett as Siena Rosso
· Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
CREW INFORMATION:
· Betsy Beers as EP
· Chris Van Dusen as CRTR/EP
· Julia Quinn as BOOK
· Julie Anne Robinson as EP/DIR (Pilot)
· Shonda Rhimes as EP
NETFLIX AND SHONDALAND ANNOUNCE FIRST SLATE OF SERIES
Hollywood, Calif. – Friday, July 20, 2018 – Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, and Shondaland today announced the first slate of series being developed by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and their team to premiere exclusively for Netflix members around the world.
“I wanted the new Shondaland to be a place where we expand the types of stories we tell, where my fellow talented creatives could thrive and make their best work and where we as a team come to the office each day filled with excitement,” said Rhimes. “Ted and Cindy and everyone at Netflix have been incredible partners in making that happen. This is Shondaland 2.0.”
“From the world of Regency England all the way to present day Manhattan, we at Shondaland have a wonderful opportunity to explore new worlds and tell these stories in many different ways,” said Beers. “We are fortunate to be working with such an inspiring group of talent, including our amazing creative team at Netflix. I could not be more thrilled!”
“It’s been thrilling to begin this journey with Shonda, Betsy and their team and watch them embrace the full range of creative freedom possible at Netflix,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President, Original Content, Netflix. “Infused with Shonda’s sensibility, the Shondaland slate is shaping up to be something truly special that we know will delight our members around the world.”
Untitled Bridgerton Project
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, this smart feminist take on Regency England romance unveils the glittering, wealthy, sexual, painful, funny and sometimes lonely lives of the women and men in London’s high society marriage mart as told through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.
* Scandal veteran Chris Van Dusen (EP) will adapt and showrun the series.
WRITER-PRODUCER CHRIS VAN DUSEN SIGNS SERIES OVERALL DEAL WITH NETFLIX
His first project will be Shondaland’s Untitled Bridgerton Project
Hollywood, Calif. – October 29, 2018 — Writer-producer Chris Van Dusen has signed a brand new, multi-year series overall deal with Netflix.
Under the terms of the agreement, Van Dusen will create new series and other projects for the streaming platform. His first will be Shondaland’s Untitled Bridgerton Project, a one-hour drama ordered straight-to-series, based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels. Van Dusen will adapt, showrun, and executive produce, along with Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers through Shondaland.
This smart feminist take on Regency England romance unveils the glittering, wealthy, sexual, painful, funny and sometimes lonely lives of the women and men in London’s high society marriage mart as told through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.
“I couldn’t be more excited about being a part of the creative powerhouse that is Shondaland at Netflix,” said Van Dusen. “Bringing these irresistible books by Julia Quinn to the screen, with the fearless and talented team of storytellers I’ve been so fortunate to have worked alongside for so long, is a dream come true. I am grateful to have a home at Netflix, whose commitment to innovative, groundbreaking storytelling is unmatched.”
Van Dusen most recently served as co-executive producer on SCANDAL. A homegrown Shondaland talent, Van Dusen landed his first writing gig on GREY’S ANATOMY. He is a graduate of Emory University and USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program.
JULIE ANDREWS TO VOICE “LADY WHISTLEDOWN” IN NETFLIX AND SHONDALAND’S THE UNTITLED BRIDGERTON SERIES
ABOUT THE SERIES
LAUNCH DATE: 2020
FORMAT: Drama; 8 x 1-hour episodes
LOCATION: London
CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Chris Van Dusen
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers
SYNOPSIS:
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, BRIDGERTON, is set in the sexy, lavish and competitive world of Regency London high society. From the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane and beyond, the series unveils a seductive, sumptuous world replete with intricate rules and dramatic power struggles, where no one is truly ever on steady ground. At the heart of the show is the powerful Bridgerton family. Comprised of eight close-knit siblings, this funny, witty, daring and clever group must navigate the upper ten thousand’s marriage mart in search of romance, adventure and love.
CASTING:
JULIE ANDREWS will lend her voice to the character of “LADY WHISTLEDOWN.” Anonymous to readers, this mysterious, sharp-tongued gossip writer uses a curious mix of social commentary and scathing insult to send the season of 1813’s ton into an all-out frenzy.
BIO:
Julie Andrews has been a beloved and much-honored star of stage,screen and television for more than half a century. She was already a Broadway legend when she made her feature film debut in 1964’s “Mary Poppins.” Andrews’ iconic performance in the title role of the magical nanny brought her an Academy Award (R) , a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. The following year, she earned a second Oscar (R) nomination and won another Golden Globe Award for her unforgettable portrayal of Maria Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” She received her third Academy Award (R) nomination and won another Golden Globe Award for her “dual” role in “Victor/Victoria” in 1982. Today’s young film audiences may be more familiar with Andrews as a queen trying to train her teenaged granddaughter to be a princess in the hit films, “The Princess Diaries,” and its sequel, “The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement,” as well as Gru’s mother, Marlena, in the hugely successful “Despicable Me” and “Minion” franchises. Andrews also voiced the character of Queen Lillian in the blockbuster hits “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Shrek Forever After.” More recently, she voiced the narration of the very successful Disney release of “Enchanted.” In 2010, Ms. Andrews added to her multi- generational appeal with the release of “The Tooth Fairy.”
Her earlier motion picture credits also include “The Americanization of Emily,” “Hawaii,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Star!,” “Darling Lili,” “SOB” and “10,” to name only a few. Julie was born and raised in England, where she first came to fame as a young musical performer on stage and on radio. She was still in her teens when she made her way across the Atlantic and to Broadway, in her 1953 debut in the musical “The Boy Friend.” She went on to create the role of Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s Broadway musical “My Fair Lady,” which became an instant classic and the longest-running musical of its day. Andrews also won a New York Drama Critics Award and garnered a Tony Award nomination for her performance. She received another Tony Award nomination in 1961 when she originated the role of Queen Guinevere in the Lerner and Loewe musical “Camelot.” Thirty-five years later, Ms. Andrews returned to Broadway to star in the 1995 stage adaptation of “Victor/Victoria.” Julie’s career came full circle in 2005 when she directed a revival of “The Boy Friend” which toured throughout North America. Julie has also been honored for her work on television, beginning in 1957 with her Emmy-nominated performance in the title role of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Cinderella.” She later won an Emmy Award for her own musical variety series, “The Julie Andrews Hour,” and also earned Emmy nominations for “Julie and Carol at Lincoln Center” (with her “chum” Carol Burnett) as well as her performance in the TV holiday special, “Sounds of Christmas.” Andrews’ more recent television movies includes “One Special Night” with her friend James Garner, “Eloise at the Plaza,” “Eloise at Christmastime” and re-united with Christopher Plummer in the CBS live production of “On Golden Pond.”
Ms. Andrews, already an accomplished best selling author (“Mandy,” [1971], “The Last of The Really Great Whangdoodles,” [1974], has joined talents with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, to pursue the publishing of books committed to stimulating a sense of wonder in children and young readers. The Julie Andrews Collection was launched in October 2003 and has released over 25 books to date, (many of them bestsellers) including the “Little Bo” series, the “Dumpy The Dump Truck” franchise, “The Great American Mousical,” “Thanks to You” and “Simeon’s Gift” (the musical/stage adaptation of which toured parts of the U.S. in 2008, including two performances at the Hollywood Bowl, and in London in 2010) and “The Julie Andrews Collection of Poems, Songs & Lullabies.” “Home – A Memoir of My Early Years,” Ms. Andrews’ autobiography was released in April 2008 to rave reviews and immediately climbed to #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list as well as several other prestigious lists in the U.S. and abroad. Julie and Emma are enjoying great receptivity to their new franchise of books called “The Very Fairy Princess.” The initial release ascended rapidly to #1 after its May 2010 release on the New York Times Bestseller list and enjoyed top 10 status for over 10 weeks. It was followed in May 2011 with “The Very Fairy Princess Takes the Stage” (which reached #1 status as well),and then in April 2012, “The Very Fairy Princess – Here Comes the Flower Girl” (which enjoyed top 10 status for several weeks). In October 2013, “The Very Fairy Princess Sparkles in the Snow” was released and has shown its “sparkle” as a perennial by being re-released in November 2014 for the holiday season. Valentine’s Day 2013 was greeted by “The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart” and the latest picture book was “The Very Fairy Princess Graduation Day” which was released in April 2014. Interwoven in these releases were several activity books and doodle books and “earlier reader” books that have rounded out the franchise. In October 2012, Julie adapted and directed her best-selling children’s book “The Great American Mousical” as a musical for the stage. The project opened at the Norma Terris Theatre at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut and received a spectacular reception. Several other projects authored by Ms. Andrews are currently being developed for filmed and TV entertainment.
Although she continues to receive offers for films and TV as an actress, she is Immensely enjoying her work “behind the cameras.” In addition to her stage and screen work, Julie has dedicated her life to her family and to service important causes, including Operation USA, an international relief organization with which Julie has traveled to such places as Vietnam and Cambodia. From 1992 to 2006 she was honored as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which provides financial and technical support for low-income women in developing countries. Ms. Andrews received her honours as a Dame of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on New Year’s Eve 1999. She was also a 2001 Kennedy Center Honoree, and, in 2011 was celebrated with the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. More recently, in 2016 Julie helmed a first class revival of “My Fair Lady” which toured through Australia for 12 months and broke all sales records at The Sydney Opera House. The production was immaculately produced, and replicated the original stage and costume designs of the 1956 debut production in which Julie created the Eliza Doolittle character. Also in 2016, Julie co-created, wrote and executive produced “Julie’s Greenroom,” a children’s television series about the arts, created for Netflix in partnership with the Jim Henson Company. The series earned three Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series and Outstanding Writing in a Children’s, Pre-School Children’s or Family Viewing Program.
For more about Ms. Andrews and her activities and book collection,please go to www.julieandrewscollection.com JULIE ANDREWS TO VOICE “LADY WHISTLEDOWN” IN NETFLIX AND SHONDALAND’S THE UNTITLED BRIDGERTON SERIES
ABOUT THE SERIES
LAUNCH DATE: 2020
FORMAT: Drama; 8 x 1-hour episodes
LOCATION: London
CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Chris Van Dusen
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers
SYNOPSIS:
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, BRIDGERTON, is set in the sexy, lavish and competitive world of Regency London high society. From the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane and beyond, the series unveils a seductive, sumptuous world replete with intricate rules and dramatic power struggles, where no one is truly ever on steady ground. At the heart of the show is the powerful Bridgerton family. Comprised of eight close-knit siblings, this funny, witty, daring and clever group must navigate the upper ten thousand’s marriage mart in search of romance, adventure and love.
CASTING:
JULIE ANDREWS will lend her voice to the character of “LADY WHISTLEDOWN.” Anonymous to readers, this mysterious, sharp-tongued gossip writer uses a curious mix of social commentary and scathing insult to send the season of 1813’s ton into an all-out frenzy.
BIO:
Julie Andrews has been a beloved and much-honored star of stage,screen and television for more than half a century. She was already a Broadway legend when she made her feature film debut in 1964’s “Mary Poppins.” Andrews’ iconic performance in the title role of the magical nanny brought her an Academy Award (R) , a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. The following year, she earned a second Oscar (R) nomination and won another Golden Globe Award for her unforgettable portrayal of Maria Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” She received her third Academy Award (R) nomination and won another Golden Globe Award for her “dual” role in “Victor/Victoria” in 1982. Today’s young film audiences may be more familiar with Andrews as a queen trying to train her teenaged granddaughter to be a princess in the hit films, “The Princess Diaries,” and its sequel, “The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement,” as well as Gru’s mother, Marlena, in the hugely successful “Despicable Me” and “Minion” franchises. Andrews also voiced the character of Queen Lillian in the blockbuster hits “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Shrek Forever After.” More recently, she voiced the narration of the very successful Disney release of “Enchanted.” In 2010, Ms. Andrews added to her multi- generational appeal with the release of “The Tooth Fairy.”
Her earlier motion picture credits also include “The Americanization of Emily,” “Hawaii,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Star!,” “Darling Lili,” “SOB” and “10,” to name only a few. Julie was born and raised in England, where she first came to fame as a young musical performer on stage and on radio. She was still in her teens when she made her way across the Atlantic and to Broadway, in her 1953 debut in the musical “The Boy Friend.” She went on to create the role of Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s Broadway musical “My Fair Lady,” which became an instant classic and the longest-running musical of its day. Andrews also won a New York Drama Critics Award and garnered a Tony Award nomination for her performance. She received another Tony Award nomination in 1961 when she originated the role of Queen Guinevere in the Lerner and Loewe musical “Camelot.” Thirty-five years later, Ms. Andrews returned to Broadway to star in the 1995 stage adaptation of “Victor/Victoria.” Julie’s career came full circle in 2005 when she directed a revival of “The Boy Friend” which toured throughout North America. Julie has also been honored for her work on television, beginning in 1957 with her Emmy-nominated performance in the title role of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Cinderella.” She later won an Emmy Award for her own musical variety series, “The Julie Andrews Hour,” and also earned Emmy nominations for “Julie and Carol at Lincoln Center” (with her “chum” Carol Burnett) as well as her performance in the TV holiday special, “Sounds of Christmas.” Andrews’ more recent television movies includes “One Special Night” with her friend James Garner, “Eloise at the Plaza,” “Eloise at Christmastime” and re-united with Christopher Plummer in the CBS live production of “On Golden Pond.”
Ms. Andrews, already an accomplished best selling author (“Mandy,” [1971], “The Last of The Really Great Whangdoodles,” [1974], has joined talents with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, to pursue the publishing of books committed to stimulating a sense of wonder in children and young readers. The Julie Andrews Collection was launched in October 2003 and has released over 25 books to date, (many of them bestsellers) including the “Little Bo” series, the “Dumpy The Dump Truck” franchise, “The Great American Mousical,” “Thanks to You” and “Simeon’s Gift” (the musical/stage adaptation of which toured parts of the U.S. in 2008, including two performances at the Hollywood Bowl, and in London in 2010) and “The Julie Andrews Collection of Poems, Songs & Lullabies.” “Home – A Memoir of My Early Years,” Ms. Andrews’ autobiography was released in April 2008 to rave reviews and immediately climbed to #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list as well as several other prestigious lists in the U.S. and abroad. Julie and Emma are enjoying great receptivity to their new franchise of books called “The Very Fairy Princess.” The initial release ascended rapidly to #1 after its May 2010 release on the New York Times Bestseller list and enjoyed top 10 status for over 10 weeks. It was followed in May 2011 with “The Very Fairy Princess Takes the Stage” (which reached #1 status as well),and then in April 2012, “The Very Fairy Princess – Here Comes the Flower Girl” (which enjoyed top 10 status for several weeks). In October 2013, “The Very Fairy Princess Sparkles in the Snow” was released and has shown its “sparkle” as a perennial by being re-released in November 2014 for the holiday season. Valentine’s Day 2013 was greeted by “The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart” and the latest picture book was “The Very Fairy Princess Graduation Day” which was released in April 2014. Interwoven in these releases were several activity books and doodle books and “earlier reader” books that have rounded out the franchise. In October 2012, Julie adapted and directed her best-selling children’s book “The Great American Mousical” as a musical for the stage. The project opened at the Norma Terris Theatre at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut and received a spectacular reception. Several other projects authored by Ms. Andrews are currently being developed for filmed and TV entertainment.
Although she continues to receive offers for films and TV as an actress, she is Immensely enjoying her work “behind the cameras.” In addition to her stage and screen work, Julie has dedicated her life to her family and to service important causes, including Operation USA, an international relief organization with which Julie has traveled to such places as Vietnam and Cambodia. From 1992 to 2006 she was honored as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which provides financial and technical support for low-income women in developing countries. Ms. Andrews received her honours as a Dame of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on New Year’s Eve 1999. She was also a 2001 Kennedy Center Honoree, and, in 2011 was celebrated with the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. More recently, in 2016 Julie helmed a first class revival of “My Fair Lady” which toured through Australia for 12 months and broke all sales records at The Sydney Opera House. The production was immaculately produced, and replicated the original stage and costume designs of the 1956 debut production in which Julie created the Eliza Doolittle character. Also in 2016, Julie co-created, wrote and executive produced “Julie’s Greenroom,” a children’s television series about the arts, created for Netflix in partnership with the Jim Henson Company. The series earned three Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series and Outstanding Writing in a Children’s, Pre-School Children’s or Family Viewing Program.
For more about Ms. Andrews and her activities and book collection,please go to www.julieandrewscollection.com
NETFLIX AND SHONDALAND SET CAST FOR UPCOMING BRIDGERTON SERIES
ABOUT THE SERIES
LAUNCH DATE: 2020
FORMAT: Drama; 8 x 1-hour episodes
LOCATION: London
CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Chris Van Dusen
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers
SYNOPSIS:
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, BRIDGERTON, is set in the sexy, lavish and competitive world of Regency London high society. From the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane and beyond, the series unveils a seductive, sumptuous world replete with intricate rules and dramatic power struggles, where no one is truly ever on steady ground. At the heart of the show is the powerful Bridgerton family. Comprised of eight close-knit siblings, this funny, witty, daring and clever group must navigate the upper ten thousand’s marriage mart in search of romance, adventure and love.
QUOTE FROM CREATOR CHRIS VAN DUSEN: “We could not have found a more gifted group of actors to bring Bridgerton to life. When creating this series, the goal was to turn a very traditional genre on its head and make something fresh, smart, sexy and fun. That’s exactly what this cast embodies and I’m ridiculously excited to see them inhabit these characters and captivate viewers in their own incredibly brilliant ways.”
CAST:
PHOEBE DYNEVOR (Younger, Dickensian) will play “DAPHNE BRIDGERTON.”
The picture-perfect young debutante has been waiting her entire life to make her grand debut on the marriage mart. Poised to be the season of 1813’s forthcoming Incomparable, Daphne’s set to take the town by storm – but not everything goes exactly as planned for this diamond of the first water, especially after she meets a certain Duke.
REGÉ-JEAN PAGE (For The People, Roots) will play “SIMON BASSET.”
Having newly returned to London, the Duke of Hastings finds himself the primary topic of conversation amongst marriage-minded misses and ambitious mamas alike. Yet, for reasons of his own, our devastating Duke has zero interest in his title, society, or taking a wife.
GOLDA ROSHEUVEL (Silent Witness, Lady MacBeth) will play “QUEEN CHARLOTTE.”
The veritable tastemaker of London society, Queen Charlotte finds herself living for the sordid gossip that Lady Whistledown prints, though she’d swear she’s above such mundane musings. It’s only when the ton’s newest gossip writer takes aim at the palace that Queen Charlotte knows she must do something about it.
JONATHAN BAILEY (W1A, Broadchurch) will play “ANTHONY BRIDGERTON.”
The quintessential English nobleman, Anthony is the eldest Bridgerton sibling and dutiful head of the family since assuming his late father’s title of Viscount. Endlessly handsome, charming and rich, he’s quite the catch on this year’s marriage mart. But if he has any hope of fulfilling his oftentimes overwhelming duty of marrying and producing an heir, Anthony must first learn to temper his pursuit of pleasure.
LUKE NEWTON (The Lodge, The Cut) will play “COLIN BRIDGERTON.”
The dashing Colin Bridgerton is used to disarming his fellow society members with good-natured jokes, though a serious sense of adventure lurks behind those swoon-worthy eyes. Colin takes a liking to the newest young lady in town — but it’s this infatuation that winds up giving him more than he may have bargained for.
CLAUDIA JESSIE (Vanity Fair, Doctor Who) will play “ELOISE BRIDGERTON.”
Whip-smart, brazen and rebellious, Eloise Bridgerton is definitely not here for turning into just another young simpering and mincing debutante. She believes she’s destined for something much greater, though she’s quite rapidly approaching marriageable age.
NICOLA COUGHLAN (Derry Girls, Harlots) will play “PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON.”
A vastly intelligent girl with a sharp wit and kind heart, Penelope would prefer to quietly sway near the perimeter of any ballroom rather than take center stage. She’s been born into a family who will never truly understand her–as if dealing with the cutthroat, mean girls of 1813 Regency London weren’t enough.
RUBY BARKER (Wolfblood, Doctors) will play “MARINA THOMPSON.”
Having been sent from the country to live with her cousins, the Featheringtons, Marina never imagined being a part of London society. Yet the arrival of this resourceful young lady seems to make more than just a splash in our glittering, exclusive world.
SABRINA BARTLETT (Victoria, Knightfall) will play “SIENA ROSSO.”
The beautiful, captivating, and enterprising opera singer who’s having a secret affair with a prominent lord. Fun and a bit impetuous, Siena secretly longs to be a part of our town’s world.
RUTH GEMMELL (Deep State, Penny Dreadful) will play “LADY VIOLET BRIDGERTON.”
All warmth, wisdom and love, the Bridgerton matriarch manages to treat everyone with unmatched kindness and respect. But don’t mistake her compassion for weakness – as she’s an impressive match for anyone who dares comes close to interfering with her family. She’d like nothing more than for her children to marry – not for convenience or opportunity, but for love.
ADJOA ANDOH (Thunderbirds Are A Go) will play “LADY DANBURY.”
The legendary, acerbic, lioness of a dowager who runs this town. Unconcerned with the rules of polite society, Lady Danbury is a straight shooter – both formidable and a little scary. And while her judgments may be sharp, they’re always accurate. She is a friend of Simon’s late mother, having shown the now Duke a rare kindness when he was a child.
POLLY WALKER (Pennyworth, Age Before Beauty) will play “LADY PORTIA FEATHERINGTON.”
Perhaps the most ambitious mama of all, Lady Featherington is determined to make advantageous matches for each of her daughters – and is forever pushing them on some rather disinterested parties. Cunning and ruthless, Lady Featherington hustles to get what she wants, no matter the cost.
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:
JULIE ANDREWS will play the voice of “LADY WHISTLEDOWN.”
Anonymous to readers, this mysterious, sharp-tongued gossip writer uses a curious mix of social commentary and scathing insult to send the season of 1813’s ton into an all-out frenzy.
Proofread and Edited by Brenda
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