Everything I Know About Love

I started to watch Dolly Alderton's BBC Drama 'Everything I know about love' with my teenage daughter. She lasted 2mins 46 seconds precisely. It was the Larkin that did it really. Fresh that day from an A level English Literature exam, quotations from the self-depreciating poet were to be fair, the last thing she wanted to hear. 'And they're on a train', she mused before leaving the room, 'how very Whitsun weddings'.

I continued watching, a fifty something woman perhaps not quite the target demographic, but I was hooked. Rather than something to watch to take the mind off the boredom of the household chores, I soon found myself literally dancing around my ironing board to Rizzle Kicks, Down with the trumpets.

Although set in 2012, the drama resonated with me and I was transported back to the eighties, my own era of misspent youth. Except for the drug taking that is, but still with plenty of alcohol to cloud one's judgement. Or it may have just been Street's hat. Whatever it was, I look forward to sharing the chaotic lives of Maggie, Birdy, Nell and Amara over the next few weeks who act as a timely reminder of another Larkin quote 'You can't put off being young until you retire'

Its 2012 and four bright young things end up in a house share in Camden and discover themselves and the city.

Production values were good, well directed, written and shot with an intelligent under-stated score. Cast was strong in depth and for me the lead Maggie played by Emma Appleton stood out, she really bossed it.

Based on a true story its more 'When Harry Met Sally' than 'I Will Destroy You' - its happy to be an entertaining light comedy/drama and it works really well, lots of snappy dialogue and laughs and it rings true. Congrats to all involved.

Dolly Alderton is the mistress of observation. I have seen this several times and still scratch my head. The four girls are so different but brazen, robust, vulnerable, excitable but so real. Emma Appleton as Maggy is so annoying but wonderful whilst Beth Powley as Birdie is so wonderful but annoying.

The tracks are wonderful choices... especially in episodes 5 and 6 where Stand on the Word from the Joubert Singers and Goodbye England from Laura Marling completely nail it. I felt I had been there and ok I had.... Greenwich Village or Camden or maybe Belsize Park. I so wanted to be there again. The most heart wrenching moment was the gentle lecture from mummy of Maggie played by Sophie Thompson. Verbal beauty and literal care exposes writer Dolly as one of our best writers. I'll stop waffling and let you watch it. If you don't like it, no worries you probably haven't been there.

Really enjoyed the adaptation of this much-loved memoir. Brought me right back to living in London in that era - the writing and soundtrack nailed it. Great production and performances. I really hope this gets renewed so we can see more of these characters.

It's a perfection depiction of your 20s. Watching it in my mid 30s, I feel overwhelming nostalgia and love for who I was then, and also the wisdom I have now sheds new lights that only make watching it a deeper experience. The depiction of female friendship is so smart and accurate and messy and all encompassing. This show is....absolutely brilliant.

The actors are absolutely wonderful, and Maggie has this effortless light and depth and freedom that is utterly exquisite.

I want more and more episodes of this show, I want to live with these people for longer. I desperately hope we get a second season.