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| MAPP AND LUCIA - "THE VILLAGE
FÊTE" Sunday 14/04/85, Channel 4 reviewed by Jane Redfern |
September
2000
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I guess Mapp and Lucia is a bit of an acquired taste. The programme ran for two series, adapted from the classic Mapp & Lucia novels by EF Benson. They were made by London Weekend Television, in conjunction with Channel 4, and broadcast in 1985 and 1986 on Channel 4. "The Village Fête" was the first programme of series one, and as such sets the scene for the rest of the series. Set in the 1930s, Mapp and Lucia looks spectacular, with fabulous costumes, location filming in the village of Rye in Sussex, and beautiful studio recreations of the house interiors. Of the three main protagonists, the first we meet is Mrs Emmeline Lucas (played by Geraldine McEwan), known as Lucia. In mourning, we see her isolated from society, and withdrawn from social activity. She is called upon by neighbour Daisy Quantock, ostensibly to ask Lucia to help out with the preparation of an Elizabethan fête. This scene tells us an immense amount about Lucia, and her relationships with her friends. It becomes clear that previously she led village society (prior to the death of her beloved husband). Now feeling usurped, she wishes to take over again, but has to do so without losing face. As Daisy leaves, Lucia scans the paper, and thus the seeds of an idea are set. Next we meet Georgie Pillson, played by Nigel Hawthorne putting in an exceptionally camp, and entertaining, performance. As we see him preparing to dine at Lucia's we immediately get the impression of a very fussy, anxious dandified man. His appearance is immaculate, yet flamboyant. His vanity is obvious, and culminates in his rather hideous ginger wig. As he dines with Lucia this impression is confirmed, and we see how much he misses his friend's lead in his social activities. Their closeness is emphasised, as they baby talk to each other ("Me's back" and "ickle talk") but also their semi-rivalry as they perform a piano duet as a duel. During dinner Lucia tells Georgie of her plan to let a cottage in Tilling-On-Sea for the summer - thus deliberately absenting herself from the fête. This clearly fulfils two functions for her - publicly snubbing the fête in Riseholme, as well as allowing her to come out of her self-imposed exile without losing face. They motor down together and we finally meet the last main character, Miss Elizabeth Mapp. Mapp is played by Prunella Scales, in an excellent piece of casting. Throughout her interactions with Georgie and Lucia as they view the house and garden, although appearing to behave as an impeccable hostess she is actually abominably rude: talking over her guests, and failing to listen to them. We get the impression that Mapp does not take other people into account - a formidable woman. Lucia and Georgie stay at the local inn before returning home the next day. This gives us a chance to see more of Mapp, and to meet the supporting cast - Godiva Plaistow, known as "Diva", obviously downtrodden friend of Mapp; Irene Coles, known as "Quaint Irene", reactionary artist, who clearly irritates Mapp with her plain-speaking and ability to see through Mapp's schemes; Major Flint, known as "Major Benjy", whisky drinking old Colonial; Mr and Mrs Wyse, social snobs, casually name-dropping, with their Royce, sable coat (in the middle of summer) and MBE; and Reverend Bartlett, the Padre from Birmingham who affects a Scottish accent. Mapp has obviously cast herself in a comparable role within Tilling society, to Lucia's in Riseholme. Here Mapp is leader, although we get the feeling she is not as unreservedly successful as Lucia. Spending the night at an inn, we enjoy two wonderfully funny scenes intercut. Georgie and Lucia, embarrassed by the proximity of their bedrooms, make strenuous efforts not to be heard by each other preparing for bed; meanwhile, downstairs in the bar, a rather drunk Major Benjjy speculates on whether Georgie keeps his wig on when they are having a "bit of folderol". The next morning the pair make arrangements to rent a cottage for Georgie, then return to Riseholme. Despite its period setting, this doesn't feel like a costume drama, nor does it feel like a simple comedy of manners. This dramatisation is extremely faithful to the original novels, particularly in its characterisation, which is wicked to both protagonists. They are so well presented in this opening episode that we can foresee the upcoming rivalry, as we know they will inevitably clash. Mapp will never tolerate Lucia's arrogance and scheming, but we also know that Lucia will always win. The humour is not obvious (and nor is it particularly gentle), and to an extent you have to give yourself to the programme, but once you do, it's fun viewing. Recently both series have been released on video, and repeated on terrestrial and satellite television, giving us the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with a wonderful cast of characters. This first episode ends with Lucia securing her role as Queen Elizabeth in Riseholme's fête. She again has sovereignty over societal court. Queen Lucia is back. |
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