Watch Lost Empires

Lost Empires is a British television drama miniseries first shown on Granada in 1986. The six episodes are adapted from J.B. Priestley's novel of the same name and follow the journey of a young boy, Richard Herncastle, played by Colin Firth, as he travels through England performing in music halls during the early 20th century.

The story begins in 1913, with Richard Herncastle, the nephew of an illusionist, assisting his uncle on stage while also working on his own magic act. Richard is young, ambitious and carries the weight of his unhappy family life on his shoulders. He longs to escape his mundane existence and become a part of the exotic world of the travelling showmen who come to town. Richard's chance comes when his Uncle Nick, played by Laurence Olivier, invites him to come on the road and learn the ins and outs of the travelling entertainment industry.

Throughout the series, Richard learns the tricks of the trade, experiences first love, and becomes aware of the darker elements of the entertainment industry. Pamela Stephenson plays Julie, a young woman whom Richard meets and falls in love with. Julie is travelling with her father who is a hypnotist, and Richard is immediately attracted to her. The two embark on a whirlwind romance while performing together on stage.

The Lost Empires miniseries captures the essence of the early 20th century and the travelling entertainment industry from a unique perspective. It's a world of illusionists, singers, dancers, hypnotists, and acrobats, where life is always on the move. During their travels, the cast encounters challenges such as disagreements between performers, hostility from townspeople, trouble with the law, and medical emergencies.

However, Lost Empires is not just a story of the entertainment industry. The series explores themes such as family relationships, social class, and the horrors of World War I. The characters are multi-dimensional, with their own histories and personalities that make them stand out. They live in a world of broken dreams, failed relationships, and uncertain futures.

The series also features outstanding performances by the cast. Laurence Olivier, who passed away the following year, delivers a poignant performance as Uncle Nick, who is battling his own demons while coping with the death of his wife. Colin Firth, who was relatively unknown at the time, shines as the naive and endearing Richard Herncastle. Pamela Stephenson, who is also known for her work on "Not the Nine O'Clock News," delivers an emotional performance as Richard's love interest, Julie.

The locations of the series are also notable, showcasing the beauty of England's countryside and its urban areas during the early 20th century. The series features detailed sets that capture the essence of the era, from the music halls to the backstage areas, to the travelling caravans.

In conclusion, Lost Empires is a beautifully crafted drama miniseries that captures the essence of a bygone era. It's a poignant story of the entertainment industry, family relationships, and the horrors of war. The performances of the cast, particularly that of Laurence Olivier, are outstanding, and the series also boasts stunning locations and detailed sets. The series is a must-watch for anyone who loves historical dramas and has an interest in the early 20th century.