Dancing On The Edge

Watch Dancing On The Edge

  • TV-MA
  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (2,864)

Dancing On The Edge is a British period drama that aired on BBC TWO back in 2013. The show is set in London in the early 1930s, a time when jazz was quickly rising in popularity, and it follows a group of black jazz musicians, The Louis Lester Band, as they face a myriad of challenges while trying to make their mark in the music industry.

The main character, Louis Lester (Chiwetel Ejiofor), is a charismatic band leader who is determined to succeed in his chosen profession, despite the odds that are stacked against him due to his skin color. Along with his bandmates, including the suave Stanley Mitchell (Matthew Goode) and the talented singer Jessie (Angel Coulby), Louis embarks on a journey that takes them from smoky basement clubs to high-end hotels and the homes of wealthy aristocrats.

As they gain more attention and popularity, the band members face the harsh reality of racism and discrimination in a society that is not willing to accept them. They encounter bigotry and prejudice in various forms, including from fellow musicians, club owners, and members of the upper class. Despite facing such obstacles, Louis and his bandmates remain committed to their music and each other, forming a tight-knit group that supports one another through the ups and downs of their journey.

The show features a talented and diverse cast of characters, with standout performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor as the suave and charming Louis Lester and Matthew Goode as the witty and lovable Stanley Mitchell. The rest of the band members are also well-portrayed, with great chemistry and camaraderie among the entire cast.

The setting and time period of the show are also brought to life with great attention to detail, from the exquisite period costumes to the beautifully crafted sets that transport the viewer back in time to 1930s London. Another notable aspect of the show is its soundtrack, which features a mix of jazz standards and original compositions that perfectly capture the spirit and vibe of the era.

While at times the show can be a bit slow-moving and meandering, it is nonetheless an engaging and captivating portrayal of a time and place in history that is not often explored in mainstream media. The themes of racism, discrimination, and prejudice that are explored in the show are as relevant today as they were in the 1930s, and the way they are portrayed in the show is both thought-provoking and poignant.

Overall, Dancing On The Edge is a must-watch for fans of period dramas, jazz music, and powerful storytelling. The show's outstanding performances, attention to detail, and powerful themes make it a standout series that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

Dancing On The Edge is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between February 4, 2013 and on BBC TWO

Dancing On The Edge
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Seasons
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
August 13, 2016
Stanley finally gets to make his "full interview" of Louis and the band for his Music Express Magazine. They cover issues of race and social classes in the '30s, as well as their rise to fame.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
August 7, 2016
Pamela helps Louis escape.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
March 10, 2013
Presented as a series of interviews undertaken by Stanley for his Music Express magazine and taking place at the peak of fame for the Louis Lester band, Louis, Jessie and Carla give an insight into their thoughts about fame as well as their personal stories. Louis and Stanley remember the First World War, in which Louis's father fought. Louis talks about what it is like to be a black musician in London, and they discuss the band's exotic attraction to the aristocracy. Stanley talks to Carla and Jessie, who open up about their upbringings and their feelings on becoming famous. And Louis describes a chilling story about a female fan, when what started as a prank phone call became something much more sinister.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
February 25, 2013
Stanley makes plans to help Louis leave the country but finds out that his plans are hindered after Masterson announces a substantial reward he's offering for the fugitive's capture. Louis no longer trusts Sarah after she attempts to contact him. Julian's erratic behavior becomes more of a worry as he and Masterson are geting ready to go to America.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
February 18, 2013
The band performs at a dinner and Louis finds out that Julian's fellow Freemasons made him an alibi for the night Jessie was attacked. Stanley becomes the new editor-in-chief when Masterson purchases Music Express magazine with Lady Cremone's help.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
February 11, 2013
Louis is interviewed by police about Jessie's attack, he tells them that he saw Julian when he was supposed to be on a train to Paris. Racist Germans walk out during a performance leaving the band unnerved, but Stanley figures out a goods revenge. Lady Cremone hosts a New Year's Eve party.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
February 5, 2013
The band hasn't achieved the fame they want, and are stuck with playing children's birthday parties. Louis is frustrated, but then they meet wealthy recluse Lady Lavinia Cremone who might be able to change their fortunes. She arranges a special performance for them to play in front of Prince George and invites a producer and a record company executive to see them perform. Julian likes singer Jessie and takes her out for a ride in a brand new car. The band are invited to play for the Prince of Wales and the Royal Air Force at an RAF dinner. Jessie pretends to be sick when Julian promises to introduce her to a Hollywood film producer.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
February 4, 2013
Stanley becomes friends with The Louis Lester Band and tries to help them rise to fame. Louis Lester is taken with a young photographer named Sarah. Party-goers are amazed as Prince George, the Duke of Kent, flirts with the Jessie and Carla the two singers. The band is threatened with deportation when they don't sign in with the Alien Registration Office. Stanley comes to the rescue just in time. Mr. Masterson, a wealthy business man, invites the band on a train trip. Pamela and Stanley begin a passionate affair. Wesley starts an argument over contracts. Wesley is deported right when Louis is about to perform a special concert for the Prince of Wales.
Description
Where to Watch Dancing On The Edge
Dancing On The Edge is available for streaming on the BBC TWO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Dancing On The Edge on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    February 4, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (2,864)