'Unbelievable' period drama based on 'scandalous' real-life court case is unmissable

A BBC period drama rooted in an astonishing true tale is absolutely unmissable and arrives after viewers have been captivated by a Shakespeare adaptation and a Brontë family saga, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The production chronicled an aristocrat's life in 18th century England.

One viewer entitled their IMDb review: "Shocking and hilarious true story" and continued: "The fact that this is a true story is so unbelievable.

"Not only was it scandalous for the 18th Century England, it would be quite shocking today.

"This is a handsomely made costume drama beautifully filmed and well acted but the story is so sordid and shocking for the 21st Century."

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A 10/10 review remarked: "[I] can highly recommend this production which I found as good as any I have seen from the BBC and an enjoyable insight to early modern England and the evolution of gender relations. Worth paying my licence fee for."

A third viewer observed: "What I liked about the film was the ending, which I won't give away although many who studied history may already know, but the court scenes showing the jury's decision was priceless.

"In all a good watchable film that deserves more credit than many seem to have given it."

Another viewer applauded the historical authenticity and headed their review: "Feels very authentic, delightful to see."

The user added: "So refreshing a period movie that doesn't try to mordernise [sic] itself. The music, the costumes, the make-up, the wigs, everything feels very authentic to the period."

"Faithful to the true history behind it, as far as I can tell. I'd love if it was longer, if it explored Lady W's life in France, for example."

The Scandalous Lady W emerged in 2015, based on American-born British historian and author Hallie Rubenhold's 2008 book Lady Worsley's Whim.

The BBC drama unfolded in 1781 and followed the courtroom battle involving affluent heiress Seymour, Lady Worsley (portrayed by Natalie Dormer) and her MP spouse Sir Richard Worsley (Shaun Evans), who was pursuing her lover Captain George Bisset (Aneurin Barnard) for damages after the forbidden duo eloped.

Sir Richard dragged Captain Bisset before the courts and sought £20,000 for essentially harming his wife, who was regarded merely as possessions during this period.

When proceedings commenced, Sir Richard fabricated details about the couple's union to portray an image of domestic harmony.

Captain Bisset faced financial ruin and imprisonment over the matter, prompting Lady Worsley to devise a scheme to rescue them both.

Yet, it would require exposing the shameful reality of her marriage and threatened to destroy her standing.

The proceedings would evolve into one of the most notorious sexual controversies of the 18th century.

Alongside the main cast, The Scandalous Lady W also featured Baby Reindeer actress Jessica Gunning, The Secrets She Keeps star Robert Morgan, His Dark Materials star Will Keen, Oliver Chris of Motherland fame, and Line of Duty's Craig Parkinson, amongst others.

The Scandalous Lady W is streaming on Prime Video for a fee