Enchanted April

Lotty Wilkins needs a break, a chance to escape to an Italian chateau for a month, she convinces her neighbour, Rose Arbuthnot a kindred spirit to accompany her, to cut the cost, they advertise for 2 further guests, socialite Lady Caroline Dester and ageing grandiose Mrs Fisher.

Ninety minutes of captivating, engrossing, enchanting drama, this was sublime viewing. I'm so glad to have picked this up on BBC4, I only wish the channel would put out more of the Screen one and two plays.

I'll come on to the acting later on, but frosty of all I'll start with the storyline, it's terrific, pure escapism, it is so original, for my shame I haven't read the book, but I need to seek it out, a terrific exploration of human nature, a true journey of discovery.

It is so poignant, there are so many incredible scenes, that first moment where we are introduced to Lady Caroline, it takes your breath away, Polly Walker is truly breathtaking.

The visuals are exquisite, and that moment where Lotty opens her blinds to reveal the sun drenched sea, beautiful. The fashions are perfection, Caroline and Mrs Fisher's clothes in particular, wardrobe got it spot on.

You can't put a pin between any of the performances, so much talent, such a wealth on show, Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright, I could watch the pair in anything, they're incredible here.

Does anyone do historical drama as good as The BBC?

10/10.