I just had time to preview the first episode of Indian Summers before my trip and it is well worth watching. A wonderfully well done drama depicting the lives of British socialites in India in the 1930s who went to the cooler Himalayan hills for the hot summers to rule from afar and enjoy.
Julie Walters has a ball as Cynthia Coffin, the lively owner of the exclusively white Royal Simla Club, she sports a rather pronounced East End accent. This seems to be a reminder that all classes could be on equal footing in India in the time of the British Raj and she certainly seems to enjoy controlling more than the music, roast beef and Yorkshire pud at her club.
The first episode sets up a lot of stories from both clashing cultures and foreshadows the trouble ahead, as the Indian independence movement simmers and flares. Just as gorgeous as Downton Abbey (with a more exotic flavour) Indian Summers will draw you in and make you feel the heat!
I will leave you hanging there but do catch this one on PBS starting Sunday September 27 at 9 pm.
Cheers and follow me for the next 2 weeks at Jenny & Gillian Wandering England!