Like an experienced woman in the oldest profession Harlots has been around the block. Originally an ITV production, aired way back in 2017 on ITV Encore (who knew they broadcast anything new?). It was also shown in America by Hulu and came back to the UK by way of Amazon Prime – only on one of those misspelled channels within channels (StarzPlay) that demands you pay extra for access to streaming content you’re already paying for. Thankfully in the fraught and fierce contest for any new-ish content in a bleak and empty Covid-19 drama wasteland the BBC have bought it and it’s on BBC2 and iPlayer. And might finally find a UK audience.
So what I’m saying is, unlike their excitable punters Harlots has been a long time coming. Was it worth the wait?
In 18th century London, women’s opportunities for economic advancement are either through marriage or sex work. The city’s brothels are run by single-minded businesswomen; the two we focus on are Margaret Wells (the excellent Samantha Morton) and Lydia Quigley (Leslie Manville, having the time of her life in Georgian make-up and powdered wigs). The story revolves around Margaret, her daughters and the women who work for her, all victims or benefactors of her ruthless determination to move up in the world. This go-getting attitude puts her at odds with Lydia Quigley, who she previously worked for. The fighting between these two women is set against a backdrop of a new movement of religious zealots demanding the closure of brothels, and police now trying to subdue Soho with brutal raids.
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