Tipping the Velvet

Tipping the Velvet 2002

        As charismatic heroine Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling) grows into womanhood, she realises that she's attracted to women, not men. It leads her into a series of lesbian adventures.  The glamorous world of 19th century music hall provides the backdrop for Nan's first love affair with Kitty (Keeley Hawes), a popular male impersonator music hall star. They become a double act both on and off stage, but their manager Walter (John Bowe) wins Kitty's hand as she ultimately chooses the safety of a traditional life rather than risking the public disapproval of her true feelings for Nan.

       Devastated by Kitty's betrayal, Nan takes to the streets to survive, in her guise as a male impersonator, and finds a niche in the Victorian sexual underworld. She's drawn to Florence (Jodhi May), but is unable to tell her the truth about her secret street life.

Instead, she's spotted by the wealthy widow, Diana Lethaby (Anna Chancellor), a woman in her thirties who is amoral, capricious and predatory. She introduces Nan into a world of luxury and debauchery, and makes Nan her sexual slave.When Nan is thrown back onto the streets, she searches for Florence, who is initially deeply mistrustful, but a strong bond develops between them that blossoms into real and lasting love. (bbc.co.uk)