The Pickwick Papers

This adaptation of The Pickwick Papers may have a slow and overly-serious start, but once it gets going and providing you stay with it it is delightful. The photography is very natural-looking, while the sets and costumes are pretty and colourful while true in detail and atmosphere to Victorian England. The dialogue is faithfully Dickenesian with the comedy being genuinely funny and there are several charming moments. The story is charmingly and absorbingly told, the series is long and the pacing is not what you call swift but the strength of the script allows the comedy to make its mark and the drama breathes and resonates paced that way in a way that doesn't feel long-winded. You cannot go wrong with good performances. We have those, great even. Nigel Stock amuses and affects in the title role, but the standouts are Patrick Malahide's wonderfully comic to the point of insanity(but in a good way) Mr Jingles and Phil Daniels' scene-stealing Sam Weller. To conclude truly delightful if not quite among the absolute best Dickens adaptation. Oh and the extra with Simon Callow in Charles Dickens garb is worth checking out too. 9/10 Bethany Cox