Mapp & Lucia is a British drama television series that was first broadcast on BBC One from 29 to 31 December 2014. The three-part series, adapted by Steve Pemberton and directed by Diarmuid Lawrence, is based on E. F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia series of novels. The series features an ensemble cast, with Miranda Richardson and Anna Chancellor playing the eponymous characters Elizabeth Mapp and Emmeline 'Lucia' Lucas. It is set in the Sussex coastal town of Tilling, based very closely on Rye, East Sussex, where it was filmed and where Benson lived. Although attracting modest viewing figures, the series received positive reviews from critics.

Cast Anna Chancellor as Emmeline 'Lucia' Lucas Steve Pemberton as Georgie Pillson Miranda Richardson as Elizabeth Mapp Mark Gatiss as Major Benjy Felicity Montagu as Godiva 'Diva' Plaistow Gemma Whelan as Irene Coles Paul Ritter as Reverend Kenneth Bartlett Poppy Miller as Evie Bartlett Nick Woodeson as Mr Wyse Pippa Haywood as Mrs Wyse Katy Brand as Hermione 'Hermy' Pillson Joanna Scanlan as Ursula 'Ursy' Pillson Frances Barber as Amelia, Contessa di Faraglione Jenny Platt as Foljambe Gavin Brocker as Cadman Soo Drouet as Grosvenor Susan Porrett as Withers Harish Patel as Guru/Gupta

Episodes

Production Mapp and Lucia was commissioned by Charlotte Moore and Ben Stephenson for BBC One. Filming took place in and around Rye during the summer of 2014 as well as Kent and East Sussex Railway Station in Tenterden.

The "guru" storyline in episode 2 is taken from E.F. Benson's first Lucia novel, Queen Lucia (1920), with Daisy Quantock being the guru's original sponsor. Transported to Tilling in this series, Diva Plaistow plays the Daisy role in the storyline.

Reception Mapp and Lucia received positive reviews from critics. Writing for The Guardian, Julia Raeside said the series left her "champing at the bit for more". In a review in The Guardian, by Euan Ferguson, he described it as the "most deliciously moreish television made [in 2014]". Nina Stibbe of The Guardian said it was "marvellous" and that the characters were "as funny and charming as they should be".

Ellen E. Jones of The Independent said "no doubt this series will have new readers seeking out Benson's books, and a second BBC series wouldn't go amiss either". In a second review written for The Independent, Neela Debnath wrote that the actors "try their hardest", but the script "doesn't serve them well". She also compliemented the cinematography. Writing on the series finale, Debnath said it was "a marked improvement on the much duller first episode".

Writing for Stuff, Trevor Agnew said that "there's a lot of fun to be had" with the series, and complimented its costume design and acting.

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