Extraordinary adaptation of memoir is best BBC drama | UK News

This BBC drama has been hailed as an “extraordinary” adaptation, and it is streaming on iPlayer proper now. Stylist listed the collection as the “best BBC drama to watch proper now”, and its excellent 100% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes can attest to that. What It Feels Like for a Girl is a British tv collection based on Paris Lees’ coming-of-age memoir of the same title, tailored by Lees herself for BBC Three. It premiered at the start of summer time and is directed by Brian Welsh, Ng Choon Ping, and Marie Kristiansen. Ellis Howard, Laura Haddock, Hannah Walters, and Michael Socha star in the show.

The collection synopsis reads: “What It Feels Like for a Girl is a coming-of-age story adapted from Paris Lees’ memoir, focusing on Byron, a working-class teenager in 2000s Nottinghamshire, exploring their journey of self-discovery and self-destruction while grappling with gender identity, class, and the search for belonging. The story follows Byron’s escape from a stagnant town into Nottingham’s club scene, where they encounter a vibrant, chaotic group of trans and queer friends. The narrative delves into Byron’s experiences with love, danger, and a shocking encounter that forever alters their life, highlighting the complexities of early 2000s British society and the challenges of navigating identity and belonging.”

What It Feels Like for a Girl acquired common acclaim upon its release, and its excellent 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes displays that.

The Guardian hailed it as an ” extraordinary adaptation” and “memorably complex psychological portrait” and praised Howard as “charismatic and convincing” in the lead position.

The Financial Times also praised Howard, billing the efficiency as “at once charismatic and vulnerable, exhilarated and fatalistic, sharp-tongued and soft-hearted.”

The Telegraph hailed Howard as “magnetic”, uplifting the story from being a typical entry in the “misunderstood child coming of age in a small town” style.

Digital Spy said: “It’s no exaggeration to suggest that What It Feels Like for a Girl could do for trans representation what It’s a Sin did a few years back for gay storytelling and awareness around the AIDS crisis.”

One fan said: “The best TV series since It’s a Sin but loads funnier. Ellis Howard as Byron deserves an award as does the series. Will order the dvd when available. This series about a group of lads who want to be girls covers every emotion and feelings there can possibly be and on top of that there is frequent drug use, violence and sex but still manages to be both hilarious and poignant.”

What It Feels Like for a Girl is obtainable to watch on BBC iPlayer.