Watch Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair is a television series that was first aired on the BBC in 1998. This period drama is based on the famous novel by William Makepeace Thackeray and tells the story of the irrepressible and cunning Becky Sharp as she navigates her way through English high society and attempts to climb the ranks of the social ladder.

The show stars Natasha Little in the lead role of Becky Sharp, a beautiful and witty young woman who is determined to make a name for herself in Victorian England. Although Becky is not from a wealthy background, she is fiercely ambitious and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Frances Grey plays the role of her best friend Amelia Sedley, a sweet and naïve young woman who comes from a wealthy family and is set to marry the dashing soldier George Osborne.

As the story unfolds, we see Becky use her charm and intelligence to manipulate the people around her and gain access to the exclusive and privileged world of high society. She becomes the companion of the wealthy and influential Lady Crawley and later marries her son, Rawdon. However, her ambitions lead her to make some questionable choices which ultimately lead to her downfall.

Throughout the series, we are introduced to a wide range of characters who all play a role in Becky's rise and fall. From the scheming and arrogant Lord Steyne to the honest and loyal Captain Dobbin, each character adds depth and complexity to the story. The relationships between the characters are also a key part of the show, particularly the complicated friendship between Becky and Amelia.

The setting for the series is beautifully shot and captures the opulence and grandeur of Victorian England. The costumes and props are also impressive and add to the authenticity of the period drama. The show also features a wonderful soundtrack, with classical music and original pieces that perfectly capture the mood of each scene.

One of the main themes of the show is the power of social status and the lengths that people will go to in order to gain wealth and influence. Becky is a prime example of this, as she uses her wit and charm to manipulate those around her and climb the social ladder. However, the show also highlights the consequences of such ambitions, as Becky ultimately finds herself isolated and alone.

Another theme of the show is the role of women in Victorian society. Through the character of Becky, we see a woman who refuses to conform to the traditional expectations of her gender and instead pursues her own ambitions. Amelia, on the other hand, embodies the more traditional expectations of women, as she is devoted to her husband and family.

Overall, Vanity Fair is a captivating and entertaining period drama that is full of complex and interesting characters. The performances of the actors are excellent, particularly Natasha Little who gives a standout performance as the ambitious and cunning Becky Sharp. The show also features stunning visuals and a wonderful soundtrack that perfectly captures the tone of the story. For anyone who enjoys period dramas or is a fan of the original novel, Vanity Fair is a must-watch.

Vanity Fair is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 1, 1998 and on BBC