Watch Anna of the Five Towns

Based on the novel of the same name by Arnold Bennett, Anna of the Five Towns is a British television series that first aired in 1985 on ITV. The series is now available to stream on BritBox, giving audiences the chance to revisit this poignant tale or discover it for the first time.

Set in the fictional town of Bursley in the Staffordshire Potteries, the series follows the story of Anna Tellwright (Lynsey Beauchamp/Anne Blackman), a young woman who comes of age in a world of social and economic upheaval. Struggling to reconcile her own desires and aspirations with the expectations of her family and community, Anna finds herself caught between tradition and modernity, duty and passion, poverty and wealth.

At the heart of the story is Anna's relationship with her father, Ephraim Tellwright (John Woodvine), a wealthy and powerful businessman who holds a tight grip on his daughter's life. Ephraim is a man of strict principles and stern moral values, who believes that money is the key to happiness and success. His obsession with wealth has left him distant from his family, and he is unable to understand Anna's thirst for knowledge and her longing for a life beyond the confines of their small town.

Despite her father's disapproval, Anna is determined to assert her independence and make her own way in the world. With the help of her aunt, Sarah Gailey (Linda Polan), a free-spirited woman who encourages Anna to pursue her dreams, she begins to explore the possibilities that life has to offer.

Anna's journey is a poignant and powerful one, as she struggles to find her place in a world that is rapidly changing around her. Along the way, she comes face to face with a cast of memorable characters, including the brooding and mysterious Henry Mynors (Robin Bailey), who represents the wealthy and privileged class that Anna is both drawn to and repelled by.

The series is a masterful portrayal of a bygone era, capturing the spirit of a time when social conventions and class distinctions were beginning to break down. It is a story that is both timeless and timely, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the search for meaning in a world of shifting values.

The production values are top-notch, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and complexity of the Staffordshire landscape. The costumes and set design are also superb, evoking the look and feel of a bygone era with remarkable accuracy.

At the heart of the series is the brilliant performance of Lynsey Beauchamp/Anne Blackman as Anna Tellwright. She brings a depth and complexity to the character, conveying both her strength and vulnerability with nuance and subtlety. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from John Woodvine as the domineering Ephraim Tellwright and Linda Polan as the wise and unconventional Sarah Gailey.

In conclusion, Anna of the Five Towns is a must-watch series for anyone who loves historical dramas or coming-of-age stories. It is a rich and rewarding experience that will transport you to a world of elegance and elegance, where the struggle for identity and self-determination is as relevant today as it was a century ago. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and stream it on BritBox today.

Anna of the Five Towns is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between January 8, 1985 and on BritBox