In stitches at corset stars
LIKE Downton Abbey but with wit and considerably better breeding, this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novella Lady Susan is an elegant waspish joy.
There are corsets for ladies, mutton chops for chaps and a carriage full of wealthy suitors, impoverished friends and watchful servants.
Kate Beckinsale is ravishing in scarlet as a broke widow after a husband for herself and daughter Frederica, played by impressive Morfydd Clark.
Tom Bennett is marvellous as stupid, wealthy and available Sir James Martin while Chloe Sevigny and Stephen Fry are swept up by the gossip and intrigue.
Under the comic assault of Austen’s withering writing, the cast contrive to keep a straight face with far more success than I managed to.