Title: My Lady Jane
Director: Jamie Babbit
Cast: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Jordan Peters, Anna Chancellor, Rob Brydon, Dominic Cooper, Jim Broadbent, Will Keen, Kate O’Flynn, Mairead Tyers, Isabella Brownson
Where: Streaming on Amazon Prime
Rating: ***1/2
Based on 8 episodes, this review takes you on a raucous ride through history reimagined. Starring Emily Bader, the series flips Lady Jane Grey's tragic tale, blending fantasy, humour, and girl power, giving her a new lease on life.
Set in 1553, amidst the power struggles of Tudor England, this series presents a whimsical reworking of the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey. Factually, Jane was a 16-year-old queen for nine days before losing her head—literally—to make way for Mary I. But why let facts get in the way of a good story? In this version, Jane defies her grim fate with intellect, bravery, and sheer sass.
Emily Bader’s Jane is delightful—a voracious reader with a sharp wit. Forced into marriage with Guildford Dudley, played by the smoldering Edward Bluemel, who inconveniently turns into a horse daily, Jane navigates court politics with aplomb. Bluemel’s portrayal is endearing and amusing, capturing Dudley's noble spirit despite his equine affliction.
Adding to the ensemble is Anna Chancellor as Jane's formidable mother, Lady Frances Grey. Chancellor’s performance is a masterclass in the art of being crafty, bringing both terror and hilarity in equal measure. The rest of the cast, including Rob Brydon as the scheming Lord Dudley and Dominic Cooper as the roguish Lord Seymour, rounds out this lively troupe with aplomb.
Technically, the series dazzles with its lush costumes and meticulously recreated sets, transporting viewers straight into the heart of Tudor England. The cinematography is exquisite, with a soft-focus glow that highlights every jewel-encrusted detail and flickering candle flame, making the visual experience as rich as a royal banquet.
The series truly shines in its audacious script, tossing historical accuracy aside for modern slang, riotous anachronisms, and a cheeky narrator breaking the fourth wall. Much like The Great or Dickinson, it blends historical elements with contemporary sensibilities, creating something wholly original and irresistibly fun.
Fantasy elements add another layer of whimsy to the narrative. The concept of Ethians—humans who transform into animals—introduces a magical twist that’s both amusing and thematically rich. It’s a not-so-subtle metaphor for otherness and persecution, cleverly woven into the fabric of the story without ever feeling preachy.
The plot, while delightfully chaotic, retains a coherent throughline of conspiracy and intrigue. Jane, Edward, and Guildford must navigate a web of political machinations and magical secrets. The stakes are high, but the tone remains light, ensuring that the series is as entertaining as it is engaging.
Overall, the series is a feminist fantasy that reclaims the past with wit and verve. It asks, “What if?” and runs wild with the possibilities. For a royally entertaining show that audaciously rewrites the rules, this is your pick. Just don’t expect historical accuracy—expect panache.
