Watch Vanity Fair (1987)

Vanity Fair is a BBC television series based on the famous novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, written and produced by Alexander Baron in 1987. The show follows the story of the charming and ambitious Becky Sharp (Eve Matheson), a poor young woman who strives to climb the social ladder in 19th-century England through wit, cunning, and manipulation.

Becky's journey is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, which have a significant impact on the lives of the characters in the show. We watch Becky's progress from her humble beginnings as a governess to her eventual rise to the top of society, using her charms to seduce and manipulate the wealthy and powerful to secure her own position.

The show features a vast array of characters from various class divides, including the wealthy and slightly naive Amelia Sedley (Rebecca Saire) and the charming yet ruthless Marquess of Steyne (Roland Culver). As well as these well-rounded characters, the show is also known for its stunning period costumes and lavish sets, which do an excellent job of bringing the world of Vanity Fair to life.

Throughout the series, Becky's relentless pursuit of social advancement is both impressive and alarming, and her ruthless tactics often make her the subject of both envy and admiration. Her schemes, no matter how manipulative, are compelling to watch, as her wit, intelligence, and charm keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Despite Becky's flaws, the show does an excellent job of portraying her as a relatable and likeable character. Her ambition and desire for a better life are almost universally appealing, and viewers will find themselves rooting for her even as she becomes a more complex figure. Becky's journey is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and widely-read tales in English literature, and this series does a fantastic job of bringing that story to life.

Although the show is set in the past, the themes it explores are still incredibly relevant today. The struggle for power, the desire for social advancement, and the lengths that people will go to protect their interests are universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences. By focusing on the character of Becky Sharp, Vanity Fair explores these themes in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One of the show's most significant strengths is the acting performances of the cast, particularly that of Eve Matheson as Becky Sharp. She brings a depth and complexity to the character that makes her both magnetic and fascinating. Her performance is supported by an excellent supporting cast, including Benedict Taylor as Rawdon Crawley and Rebecca Saire as Amelia Sedley.

In conclusion, Vanity Fair is a must-watch for lovers of period dramas and literary adaptations. It tells a timeless story of ambition, power, and social climbing that is just as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. The show's exceptional production values, excellent acting, and richly-drawn characters make it a truly compelling watch. For those unfamiliar with the novel, by the end of the show, they will undoubtedly come to understand its place in the canon of classic literature.

Vanity Fair (1987) is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between September 6, 1987 and on BBC