Set in the 1890s, the story follows the sexual awakening of Whitstable oyster girl, Nan Astley (Rachel Stirling), after she meets and falls for male impersonator and star of the local music hall, Kitty Baker (Keeley Hawkes). And she is hopeful that Kitty shares her “fierce dreaming” when, on her umpteenth time of seeing the show, she is finally “chosen” as the recipient of her idol’s red rose at the end of the act. “There’s a rose in my heart for you”.Waters’ novel is a hefty volume but Davies has generally done a fine job of converting this into the language of film.
Episode 1The 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.
Episode 2Alone 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.
Episode 3Diana 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.
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