Upstairs Downstairs (2011)

About Upstairs Downstairs

The TV series "Upstairs Downstairs" is a British drama that was aired between 2010 and 2012. Set in the famously social 165 Eaton Place in London, the series follows the lives of both the wealthy family who lives upstairs and their servants who live downstairs.

Each episode takes the audience on a journey filled with drama, romance, and historical events taking place between the two sections of society, sparking a variety of themes like class struggles, personal heartbreaks, and social upheavals.

Making / Production

"Upstairs Downstairs" was a revival of the classic 1970s series with the same name. The revamp was co-created by Heidi Thomas, Jean Marsh, and Eileen Atkins. It was produced by the BBC in association with Masterpiece and was broadcasted on BBC One and BBC HD.

Actors

• Keeley Hawes (Lady Agnes Holland) - She perfectly portrayed a toff yet strained figure in the house.
• Ed Stoppard (Sir Hallam Holland) - He brilliantly played the role of a diplomat who navigates the intense political landscape.
• Jean Marsh (Rose Buck) - She returned as the dutiful, yet loving and motherly housekeeper.
• Claire Foy (Lady Persie) - She was excellent in depicting the rebellious and lost younger sibling in the aristocratic family.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series experienced a revival after almost 40 years.
• Jean Marsh is the only original cast member to return from the 1970s series.
• The famous Eaton Place set in the series is actually a redressed set in Wales.

Awards

The 2010 revival of "Upstairs Downstairs" was nominated and won several awards including, a BAFTA for Best Production Design and Jean Marsh won the Broadcasting Press Guild award for Best Actress.

Quotes

• Sir Hallam: "It's 1936. The king is dead. Long live the king."
• Lady Agnes: "One can't pour from an empty cup."
• Rose Buck: "I don't know what the future holds. But I do know that we'll face it together."

Music, Soundtrack

• The opening theme - Composed by Daniel Pemberton and offered an elegant and spacious musical landscape that cleverly echoed the classic version.
• "I Vow To Thee My Country" - a divine rendition by Kiri Te Kanawa.
• "Auld Lang Syne" - a beautifully orchestrated version setting a tone for many emotional scenes.