BritBox’s ‘The Lady’: A Royal Mess or Must-Watch Drama?
If you’re seeking a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the tragic story surrounding Sarah Ferguson’s former aide, Jane Andrews, and the horrific murder of her partner, prepare to be disappointed. BritBox’s ‘The Lady’ isn’t a delicate exploration; it’s a visually loud and ultimately frustrating production where the portrayal of Sarah Ferguson frequently overshadows the core narrative.
The miniseries begins with a disclaimer: “This drama has been inspired by a true story…Some names have been changed, and some characters, events and scenes have been created and merged for dramatic purposes.” This immediately raises a red flag. The language feels more akin to a high school play than a lavish ITV production focusing on the real-life story of Jane Andrews, a former Marks & Spencer employee who served as a dresser to the Duchess of York from 1988 to 1997.
Produced by Left Bank Pictures, the team behind ‘The Crown’, and written by Debbie O’Malley, known for her work on the reboot of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, ‘The Lady’ initially holds promise. However, just 16 minutes into the first episode, any hope for a serious depiction of the events leading to the brutal murder is quickly dashed. Sarah Ferguson, portrayed by Natalie Dormer, bursts into Jane Andrews’ (Mia McKenna-Bruce) job interview with a jarring lack of subtlety.
A Chaotic Blend of Genres
What follows is a chaotic blend of royal soap opera, police procedural, coming-of-age period piece, and domestic drama – a combination executed with the grace of a pantomime horse at a formal event. Dormer’s Ferguson dominates every scene, often to the detriment of the story. Her flamboyant entrance, complete with a polka-dot frock and a booming voice, sets the tone for a series that prioritizes spectacle over sensitivity.
The narrative jumps between the glamorous world of royal service – filled with shopping montages, champagne receptions, and a soundtrack featuring Depeche Mode’s ‘Just Can’t Get Enough!’ – and the grim reality of the police investigation into the 2000 murder of Thomas Cressman, Andrews’ former partner. This jarring juxtaposition creates a tonal dissonance that undermines the emotional weight of the story.
Lost in the Shadow of Royalty
While scenes attempting to portray Andrews’ mental instability and her strained relationship with her mother (Claire Skinner) offer glimpses of a more compelling drama, they are consistently overshadowed by Ferguson’s larger-than-life presence. Philip Glenister delivers a typically solid performance as DCI Jim Dickie, but even his presence can’t anchor the series.
The Lady ultimately fails to navigate the complexities of the case with the respect it deserves. Given recent revelations surrounding Sarah Ferguson’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, Dormer’s decision to donate her fee to charity is a commendable gesture, but it doesn’t redeem the series’ shortcomings.
Ultimately, ‘The Lady’ feels like another example of a true crime story being sensationalized for entertainment. Have we not had enough of these?
You can stream ‘The Lady’ on BritBox.
