Watch The Grand

The Grand, produced by Granada Television, was a British period drama series that aired on ITV1 from 1997 to 1998. Set in Manchester, the series is set in the luxury hotel called The Grand that was set in the early 1920s. The show centers on the lives of the staff and guests at The Grand, a swanky hotel for the rich and famous. The main characters include John Bannerman (Mark McGann) who is the hotel manager and his wife Sarah (Rebecca Callard) who is the hotel's maid. The show also features the hotel's concierge, Stephen Bannerman (Tim Healy), and the hotel owner, Lady Hamilton (Susan Hampshire).

The episodes follow the staff as they try to keep the guests happy while also dealing with their own personal issues. The show is centered around the theme of class and social status with the perspective of the working class staff having a different viewpoint on the upper class guests.

The Grand has a range of diverse characters that keeps the storyline interesting. There are wealthy and sometimes eccentric guests such as the Duke of Sussex (Donald Sinden) and the flamboyant Madame Vulpes (Carolyn Pickles). There are also the working-class characters who keep the hotel running, like the head porter, Jimmy (Michael Siberry), and the chef, Henri LeClair (Rupert Frazer).

Amidst the various storylines, the show explores the relationships between the guests and the staff, which are often strained due to the hotel's strict social hierarchy. Additionally, the show examines the strict social norms and expectations of the time as the characters deal with love, lust, and loyalty.

The Grand is known for its captivating performances from the cast, including Tim Healy who brings depth to his character Stephen Bannerman, the concierge who is light-hearted and humorous but also insightful and sensitive to those around him. Susan Hampshire's portrayal of Lady Hamilton, the hotel's owner, is also noteworthy for its fierce presence and unwavering determination to maintain the hotel's reputation.

The show's attention to detail and historical accuracy is also noteworthy, with the set design, costumes, and language adding to the show's authenticity. The Grand is a captivating drama series that offers glimpses into the powerful stories and perspectives of the lives of the rich and poor in early 1920s Manchester.

Overall, The Grand is a well-crafted drama series that offers an engaging storyline with an intricate web of diverse characters who keep the story exciting from episode to episode. Although the series is set in the early 1920s, the themes of class, love, and loyalty are still relevant today. The Grand has a range of captivating performances from the cast with Tim Healy, Rebecca Callard, and Susan Hampshire taking center stage. If you're a fan of period dramas that offer more than just flowing dresses and grand ballroom scenes, The Grand is a must-watch.

The Grand is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between April 4, 1997 and on ITV1