A Very English Scandal is a fascinating tale of politics, scandal, and intrigue, exploring the events surrounding the infamous Jeremy Thorpe affair in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s. The story was expertly brought to life in John Preston’s bestselling book, which was later adapted into an award-winning TV series. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of both the book and its TV adaptation, delving into the characters, timeline, and various aspects that make this story so captivating.
Book Summary: A Very English Scandal by John Preston
A Very English Scandal, written by John Preston, tells the true story of Jeremy Thorpe, a British politician and former leader of the Liberal Party. The book follows Thorpe’s rise to prominence and subsequent fall from grace, as he becomes embroiled in a scandal involving his alleged plot to have his former lover, Norman Scott, killed.
The book begins with Thorpe’s early life and political career, detailing his rapid ascent to leadership in the Liberal Party. It then delves into his personal life, revealing his relationship with Norman Scott, a former stable hand, and the blackmail attempts that threatened to expose their affair. As the story unfolds, Preston exposes the lengths to which Thorpe goes to keep his secret hidden, ultimately resulting in the failed assassination attempt on Scott’s life.
The book is a thrilling blend of political intrigue, personal drama, and true crime, providing an in-depth exploration of the events that led to one of the most significant scandals in British political history. It is meticulously researched, drawing on interviews, court records, and other primary sources to create a vivid and engaging narrative.
TV Series Adaptation: Overview and Summary
The TV series adaptation of A Very English Scandal, created by Russell T. Davies, aired on BBC One in May 2018. The three-part drama stars Hugh Grant as Jeremy Thorpe and Ben Whishaw as Norman Scott. The series stays true to the book, following Thorpe’s political career and tumultuous personal life, as well as the scandal that ultimately led to his downfall.
The series received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, superb performances, and faithful adaptation of the source material. It went on to win several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Mini-Series and Golden Globe Awards for both Grant and Whishaw.
Key Players: Who’s Who in A Very English Scandal
A Very English Scandal features a diverse and talented cast of characters, both in the book and the TV series.
The primary figures in the story include:
- Jeremy Thorpe (played by Hugh Grant in the TV series): A charismatic and ambitious politician, Thorpe served as leader of the Liberal Party from 1967 to 1976. His career unraveled following the allegations of conspiracy to murder Norman Scott, culminating in a high-profile trial.
Exploring the Timeline: When and Where A Very English Scandal Takes Place
The events of A Very English Scandal take place predominantly in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s, a time of significant political and social change. The story begins with Thorpe’s early political career, which quickly leads to his election as leader of the Liberal Party in 1967. The subsequent years are filled with political maneuvering and personal drama, culminating in the failed assassination attempt on Scott’s life in 1975.
The trial of Thorpe and his co-conspirators took place in 1979, bringing the story to a dramatic conclusion. While the majority of the events occur in London and its surrounding areas, the story also includes scenes set in the English countryside, as well as brief international excursions.
Notable Guest Stars and Their Roles
In addition to the main cast, A Very English Scandal features a number of notable guest stars who bring depth and texture to the story.
Some of these include:
- Patricia Hodge as Ursula Thorpe, Jeremy’s mother
Memorable Quotes from the Book and TV Series
A Very English Scandal is filled with memorable quotes that capture the wit, intrigue, and drama of the story.
Some standout lines include:
- “Bunnies can and will go to France.” – Norman Scott, referring to his pet dog, which became a key piece of evidence in the trial.
Soundtrack by Murray Gold: Setting the Tone for A Very English Scandal
The soundtrack for A Very English Scandal, composed by Murray Gold, is a crucial element in setting the tone and atmosphere of the TV series.
Gold’s score expertly balances tension, humor, and poignancy, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the story. The music draws on a range of styles and influences, from jazz and classical to 60s and 70s pop, creating a rich and immersive listening experience that perfectly complements the on-screen action.
Curiosities and Trivia Surrounding A Very English Scandal
The story of A Very English Scandal is filled with intriguing details and surprising revelations. Some curiosities and trivia surrounding the book and TV series include:
- During the trial, the judge’s summing up was considered highly biased in favor of Thorpe, leading to accusations of judicial misconduct.
Dress Like the Characters: Tips for Cosplay and Costume Inspiration
A Very English Scandal’s period setting offers a wealth of inspiration for cosplay and costume enthusiasts.
To dress like the characters, consider the following tips:
- For Jeremy Thorpe: Opt for tailored suits, preferably in dark colors, with a crisp white shirt and tie. A pocket square and cufflinks can add an extra touch of elegance.
John Preston: A Brief Biography and Exploration of His Works
John Preston is a British journalist and author, best known for his bestselling book A Very English Scandal. Born in 1953, Preston began his career as a journalist, writing for publications such as The Sunday Telegraph and The Guardian. He later transitioned to writing books, both fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on historical events and figures.
In addition to A Very English Scandal, Preston’s works include The Dig, a novel inspired by the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo, and Fall, a biography of media mogul Robert Maxwell. His writing is characterized by meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and a keen eye for detail, making his books both informative and highly engaging.
Russell T. Davies: Other Media and Adaptations
Russell T. Davies is a Welsh screenwriter and producer with an impressive body of work spanning television, film, and theatre. He is best known for his work on the popular TV series Doctor Who, for which he served as head writer and showrunner from 2005 to 2010.
Davies has also written and created several other successful TV series, including the groundbreaking drama Queer as Folk, the sci-fi series Torchwood, and the dystopian drama Years and Years. His distinctive storytelling style, blending humor, emotion, and high-stakes drama, has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile writers working in television today.
Similar Media: Books and TV Series to Enjoy After A Very English Scandal
If you enjoyed A Very English Scandal, there are many other books and TV series that explore similar themes of political intrigue, scandal, and true crime.
Some recommendations include:
- House of Cards (both the UK and US versions): A political drama series that follows the ruthless ascent of a power-hungry politician.
Book Club Discussion Questions for A Very English Scandal
A Very English Scandal makes for a compelling and thought-provoking book club selection.
Some suggested discussion questions include:
- To what extent do you think Jeremy Thorpe’s political and personal ambitions drove his actions throughout the story?
A Travel Guide to Visit A Very English Scandal Filming Locations
If you’re a fan of A Very English Scandal, visiting the filming locations can be a fascinating way to immerse yourself in the story.
Some notable locations used in the TV series include:
- Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire: This stunning Georgian mansion served as the setting for Thorpe’s family home.
Ranking the Best Episodes and Seasons of A Very English Scandal TV Series
With only one season consisting of three episodes, ranking the best episodes of A Very English Scandal is a challenging task, as each episode is integral to the overall story.
However, here is a suggested ranking based on the level of intrigue and drama:
- Episode 3: “Team Thorpe” – The final episode, which includes the high-stakes trial and its aftermath, is the most gripping and dramatic of the series.
The Future of A Very English Scandal: Remakes, Sequels, and Spin-offs
Given the success and acclaim of A Very English Scandal, it’s natural to wonder whether there might be future adaptations or extensions of the story.
While there are currently no plans for a direct sequel, the format of the TV series has inspired a new anthology series called A Very British Scandal, with each season focusing on a different historical scandal. The first season will explore the divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, starring Claire Foy and Paul Bettany.
As for John Preston’s book, it will likely continue to inspire readers and spark discussions about the events it portrays.
While the story of Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Scott is now firmly part of British history, A Very English Scandal serves as a compelling reminder of the power of ambition, the consequences of secrecy, and the enduring fascination with scandalous affairs.
