Mapp & Lucia

This was a minor disappointment. The cast really doesn't hold a candle to the original. The costumes of the first were much better although in this version they looked more like 1930's clothing.

I really didn't think I would like this but as each episode played I grew to love it more and more and was actually quite upset when it finished. I've been to Rye and so got a lot out of watching the series and trying to familiarise myself with the streets and the extraordinary church. I thought each character was well cast and I loved the cat and mouse games between Mapp and Lucia and not knowing what plot each one would come up with next. I thought Miranda Richardson was fantastic in her portrayal of Mapp, including her fake teeth and the way it forced her to talk.... very funny. The characterisation was brilliant, as was the set and the way Tilling looked exactly as you would imagine. Had I seen the 1980's version I would be able to understand why a few of these reviews favour the former series, however I feel in love with it and just wish there were another series to follow.

I have seen both Mapp & Lucia adaptations and prefer this one. The two leads, Anna Chancellor and Miranda Richardson, are excellent. Also, since this is a 21st century version it has a more modern feel.

The 1980s version feels like a stage play, while this seems more like what it is--a limited TV series. The previous adaptation is also ten episodes as opposed to three. The story in the 2014 version is charmingly told. The conclusion is satisfying, though it leaves the possibility for a sequel.

The key difference between the two versions for me is the Lucia character. I normally love Geraldine McEwan, but McEwan's performance is hammy, while Chancellor is the better, more subtle performer as Lucia. For some reason, perhaps direction, McEwan decided to use a baby talk voice that eventually became unbearable to me. I cannot stand to hear a grown woman talk like a toddler, and McEwan's performance became cringey.

Another important difference between the two is how the gay subtext is handled. In the 2014 version the gay characters have a lot more depth and poignancy. Overall, as I said, this is the better version to me, but watch both and reach your own opinion.

It's been a long time since I've thoroughly enjoyed anything this good. I'm an extremely discerning viewer and I'm at a complete lost re what some reviewers were watching. Queenie, Miranda Richardson, was simply brilliant and so too was the scrumptious Anna Chancellor. Every character was brilliantly cast. I would certainly like previous reviewers to state other shows that could possibly match this level of viewing. I would so be eternally grateful. It's faultless television and probably better than Jeeves and Wooster. How has the acting world bypass Miranda Richardson whose talents are simply stupendous. Her facial expressions were magnificent and too funny. The wittisms, OMG!! Absolutely brilliant. Au Reservoir!

As an Australian born in the mid 1980s, I admit I never saw the previous Mapp & Lucia TV adaption and I haven't unfortunately come across E.F. Benson's novels.

Having made that disclaimer and confessed my ignorance, I have to say I love watching this BBC version (even if only on my iPad in bed late at night). Having read other reviews, I am now inspired to read the novels and (time permitting) dig out the 80s TV adaptation. I think the casting and acting is fabulous. The town is colorful, picturesque and exiting. The take on 1930s fashion (costume design) I find eccentrically appropriate and exciting to behold. Overall very fun and amusing viewing!