Watch Dancing On The Edge

Dancing On The Edge is a British period drama that aired on BBC TWO back in 2013. The show is set in London in the early 1930s, a time when jazz was quickly rising in popularity, and it follows a group of black jazz musicians, The Louis Lester Band, as they face a myriad of challenges while trying to make their mark in the music industry.

The main character, Louis Lester (Chiwetel Ejiofor), is a charismatic band leader who is determined to succeed in his chosen profession, despite the odds that are stacked against him due to his skin color. Along with his bandmates, including the suave Stanley Mitchell (Matthew Goode) and the talented singer Jessie (Angel Coulby), Louis embarks on a journey that takes them from smoky basement clubs to high-end hotels and the homes of wealthy aristocrats.

As they gain more attention and popularity, the band members face the harsh reality of racism and discrimination in a society that is not willing to accept them. They encounter bigotry and prejudice in various forms, including from fellow musicians, club owners, and members of the upper class. Despite facing such obstacles, Louis and his bandmates remain committed to their music and each other, forming a tight-knit group that supports one another through the ups and downs of their journey.

The show features a talented and diverse cast of characters, with standout performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor as the suave and charming Louis Lester and Matthew Goode as the witty and lovable Stanley Mitchell. The rest of the band members are also well-portrayed, with great chemistry and camaraderie among the entire cast.

The setting and time period of the show are also brought to life with great attention to detail, from the exquisite period costumes to the beautifully crafted sets that transport the viewer back in time to 1930s London. Another notable aspect of the show is its soundtrack, which features a mix of jazz standards and original compositions that perfectly capture the spirit and vibe of the era.

While at times the show can be a bit slow-moving and meandering, it is nonetheless an engaging and captivating portrayal of a time and place in history that is not often explored in mainstream media. The themes of racism, discrimination, and prejudice that are explored in the show are as relevant today as they were in the 1930s, and the way they are portrayed in the show is both thought-provoking and poignant.

Overall, Dancing On The Edge is a must-watch for fans of period dramas, jazz music, and powerful storytelling. The show's outstanding performances, attention to detail, and powerful themes make it a standout series that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

Dancing On The Edge is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between February 4, 2013 and on BBC TWO