Posting again as ‘Victoria’ is on tonight! Don’t miss it!It’s not often you receive an invitation to attend a premiere at Kensington Palace and yet that’s exactly what happened to me just last week. A blogger’s life is never short of surprises that’s for sure!
And as soon as the decadent invite for ITV’s much-anticipated new drama series ‘Victoria’ hit my mat, I set to planning my outfit of course: Baukjen came to my rescue for a fitted, elegant, v neck navy dress, and statement Swarovski jewels were c/o Eternal Collection.
Regal was the order of the day and regal is what I went for.
….Taking my great friend Maria aka the big sister I never had, it was the most memorable of midsummer nights.
A surprisingly intimate cast and crew premiere, I’d prepared myself for a busy, bustling screening like the many I’ve experienced before yet this was not the case. With the night resembling a small yet opulent wedding in the most grandiose yet welcoming of locations, the early evening sun beating down on us, it all felt rather magical.
With the night resembling a small yet opulent wedding in the most grandiose yet welcoming of locations, the early evening sun beating down on us, it all felt rather magical.
Dazzling.
Making our way onto the red carpet once the gilded gates had opened, I was keen to hang around and watch the stars do their thing for the cameras.
Jenna Coleman is not just exquisitely beautiful but also supremely talented, she makes the most fitting of queens and entranced us on the night both in person as we chatted, and in the show.
I felt like a forgotten cast member (in the best possible way) purely because it was such an intimate gathering (despite all the paps of course!).
It was touching to watch and meet the stars and their family and friends who had gathered for the premier, those who had journeyed along with cast and crew for the many months it takes to make something like this- and it reminded me of my work as a director pre-blogging.
What a wonderful night…
After champagne and canapes, we took a stroll to the screening room, passing the most breathtaking pond enveloped by manicured gardens (below) as we made our merry way (and we were a little merry), through an enchanting archway of trees glinting with fairy lights, finding ourselves at an al fresco bar under a white marquis with the screening room within.
Magical.
Utterly magical.
Taking our seats as if witnessing a wedding, to watch the first episode introduced by Jenna herself, we were transfixed throughout.
A gripping, edge of your seat drama brimming with sexual tension, love, desire, power and deceit, I’m not sure I’ve watched something quite so compelling on TV to date. It was made all the more momentous by the fact we were watching it with the cast and crew who had brought it into being.
So cinematic, ‘Victoria’ would not feel out of place on the big screen- and I said as much to the gifted but oh-so-humble and sweet cinematographer John Lee whom we met, along with his wonderful wife on the night.
The magnificent visuals and sharp and fast editing gives the series a modern edge, and will reel you in and keep you mesmerised throughout.
The sheer chemistry between the ensemble cast too- spearheaded by the most powerful of leads, Jenna Coleman as Victoria, a feminist at a time when the term had not yet been invented, and Rufus Sewell as the dashing Lord Melbourne in this first episode- is hypnotic.
Such a whirlwind, you will be left as breathless as Victoria was in the drunken scene she shares with the dashing Lord Melbourne- and, like her will be left lusting for more.
…The drama in its entirety charts the early life of the Queen from her accession to the throne at just 18, through to her beloved marriage to Prince Albert (played by The Game’s Tom Hughes) who is not seen in the first episode.
What a privilege to experience the premiere with its creators.
Watch the trailer here:
…Making our way back to the beautiful Royal Garden Hotel, below, who had kindly invited us to stay the night with them (the hotel overlooks Kensington Palace), the stars above us, I made a note to remember this night.
For we had not only witnessed a compelling historical drama which sets a new precedent for British TV but we’d also witnessed a moment in history for Victoria as new Queen and also undoubtedly for Jenna Coleman, whom will now in all certainty, be propelled to super stardom.
An unmissable triumph.
There’s a new Downtown Abbey in town. Enjoy!
…Don’t forget to tune in tonight, on August 28th at 9pm on ITV.
Watch the vlog of my time in London and at the premier below:
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Wow,great opportunity.Hopefully you had a wonderful evening and great memorable memories.Images are also very attracting in your post.Thanks for sharing!
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How glamorous! & I love Jenna Coleman. Sounds like a good watch too – I always found Victoria’s life interesting. #brilliantblogposts
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Utterly unmissable, you will love it x
Fantastic experience! You need to be proud of yourself 🙂
Oh my golly—how incredible that must have been!!
You looked fabulous, and I can imagine how surreal it must have been for you!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
It was a wonderful night Jodie, thanks for your kind words. Kensington Palace is stunning and the first episode was captivating x
What an amazing evening! I will definitely be snuggled up on my sofa to watch. I think that Jenna Coleman is a brilliant actress so I’m sure its going to be a massive success.
Mainy
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mainy – myrealfairy recently posted…Little G’s Olympic runner…..
She is incredible and the first episode was utterly magnificent! You are in for a treat! I can’t wait to see the whole series x
Wow! What a fantastic experience. I’m incredibly fortunate to live close to Kensington Palace and agree it is a magical venue. The Royal Garden hotel is great too, I’ve eaten there a couple of times.
Victoria sounds brilliant, will defo be tuning in. #brilliantblogposts
You must watch Victoria, truly mesmerising. We love the Royal Garden, back again in two weeks x
Wow! What an opportunity. It all looks very sumptuous – British drama at its best. Alison x #brilliantblogposts
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It is incredible Alison, know you will love it x
Sounds like you had a fab time. I can’t wait for this to start now as I love historical drama’s like this. I shall certainly be tuning in. #brillblogposts
Me too Gemma, you will love it, I know it x
What a fabulous evening it looks like! Stunning – and you fitted right in, I can tell! I love anything to do with royalty (obvs). Wonder if they might need an ‘insider’ at the sequel?! #brillblogposts
Haha me too, you will absolutely love it x
What a fab day out. It looks amazing. Will definitely sky plus it too! #brillblogposts
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You will love it x
Brilliant photos and a fab insight into your evening…thanks so much for sharing it all with us. You look AMAZING. Thx as ever for hosting the ever-ace #brilliantblogposts Xxx
Thanks so much darling, was such a fab night x
Seems like a fab event, lucky you Vicki. I love your dress and the statement necklace, you looked gorgeous #brillblogposts
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Oh thanks so much, it was such a super night x
What a fab event! I adore her as an actress too so will definitely keep an eye out for it now! Probably still be waiting for baby then so it’ll give me something to look forward to! x
You will love it then, ooh exciting times ahead for you x
Wow, what an amazing event to be a part of. I’ll definitely be tuning int. Fantastic dress by the way x
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Thanks very much Alana, loved the dress and the whole night 🙂
Ooh you lucky lady! It looked like you has an absolutely amazing day. I’m really looking forward to seeing this. xxx
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It is truly wonderful, know you will love it xx
A beautiful account of a lovely event – very lucky- love your dress- very glam!
Thank you lovely Lou, it was a wonderful evening x
Wow what a treat to see the premier! Love the dress and will watch out for the series on TV. Looks great #brillblogposts
Thank you darling, fab premier x
wow, what an amazing day. Your life always looks so glamorous. I love your outfit. Sounds like a great TV series. #brilliantblogposts
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Haha definitely not glamorous for the most part lovely but it was a wonderful evening x
Wow Vicki what a fabulous night!!! Nothing beats a warm summer’s night out in London… Takes me back :))
You’ve now got me thinking I need to watch it – what with Poldark starting soon and the Paralympics too I think something’s gotta give… Time to retire X Factor methinks, this would be a much better use of my TV watching time!!
Catherine x
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You are going to fall in love with this series, utterly captivating x
Ah looks awesome! Can’t wait to catch it 🙂 What a lucky lady. #brillblogposts
It was so fab, you will love it x
Wow not bad hanging out at one of the Queen’s homely properties! You must have had a ball. How lovely that it felt intimate and it wasn’t a huge crowd. Good to see you’re able to enjoy some me-time.
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Thank you lovely, it was such a super evening, one to treasure x
Wow! what a wonderful experience you had…. Sounds like you are having a fab time for sure. You look gorgeous Vicki with your outfit. Enjoyed watching your video too. #brillblogposts
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Thank you lovely Cheryl, it was a wonderful evening x
Wow. How exciting.
Will look out for Victoria on ITV.
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It is incredible, enjoy x
This must of been such a wonderful experience. A beautiful venue and a gorgeous guest! You looked lovely! #brilblogposts
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Aw you are too kind, thank you lovely, a truly incredible evening x
What a grandiose life you have my dear! I love it all all: your shoes, you bag, your dress! You look stunning and the hair! OMG, looks so smooth … Mwah #brillblogposts
Thank you my darling, not all the time, promise x
Good choice of venue and you describe your evening so well i felt i was there. Looking fantastic as always Vi
PS: The Jewellery stand is identical to the one I got you years ago for your b’day/baby shower, cant believe it’s still around !
It is that one my sweet girl, a reminder of my sister from another mister. Thank you sweetie, it was the most magical of evenings, see you very soon xx