Written and directed by acclaimed writer Stephen Poliakoff (“The Lost Prince”), DANCING ON THE EDGE is a 1930s period drama detailing the rise of the Louis Lester Band – a black jazz band in London led by Louis Lester, played by BAFTA Award-Winner Chiwetel Ejiofor.
As the band continues to prevail, despite the racism and classism they encounter, Louis finds himself entangled in a series of unfortunate events. He becomes a suspect in a murder case, putting him on the run and possibly leading to the band’s demise.
In addition to Ejiofor ("12 Years A Slave," "Amistad," "Kinky Boots"), DANCING ON THE EDGE features an all-star cast, including John Goodman (ROSEANNE, "10 Cloverfield Lane," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?") as Masterson, Jacqueline Bisset as Lady Cremone – which won her a Golden Globe for her performance – Janet Montgomery (ENTOURAGE, HUMAN TARGET, "The Hills Run Red") as Sarah, Angel Coulby (MERLIN) as Jessie, Wunmi Mosaku (JO) as Carla, Tom Hughes ("Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll") as Julian, Joanna Vanderham (THE RUNAWAY) as Pamela and Matthew Goode (DOWNTON ABBEY) as Stanley.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1 airs Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. - Chart the Louis Lester Band’s ascent, with Stanley’s help, from a downbeat jazz cellar to the Imperial Hotel and a party attended by an admiring prince and a moneyed American. Later, Louis helps smuggle an injured woman out of a hotel room.
Episode 2 airs Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. - Follow the band on a private train ride to a picnic arranged by Donaldson. Stanley and Pamela begin an affair, Julian becomes infatuated with Jessie and band manager Wesley is deported. The Prince of Wales hears the band and expresses his approval.
Episode 3 airs Sunday, July 10 at 8 p.m. - Chart the band’s fortunes as jazz-lover Lady Cremone and the Prince of Wales invite them to play for events. They record an album and secure a spot on BBC radio. Masterson sends a cryptic message to Julian. Louis finds Jessie comatose and bloody.
Episode 4 airs Sunday, July 17 at 8 p.m. - Learn why Louis doubts Julian’s story about his trip to Paris the night Jessie was attacked. When racist Germans walk out during the band’s performance at the hotel, Stanley devises a plan to get revenge. Lady Cremone relays news about Jessie.
Episode 5 airs Sunday, July 24 at 8 p.m. - Find out why Masterson wants to buy Stanley’s magazine and Lady Cremone decides to be less reclusive. Louis’ calmness is shaken when he sees Julian’s friends at an exclusive dinner at which he entertains. He learns there’s a warrant for his arrest.
Episode 6 airs Sunday, July 31 at 8 p.m. - Join Stanley, Sarah and Pamela as they try to help Louis elude the police. Masterson offers a huge reward for Louis’ capture. Lady Cremone, convinced of Louis’ guilt, refuses to aid him. A policeman coerces Sarah into divulging damaging information.
Episode 7 airs Sunday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. - Despite Louis's suspicions of her, Pamela assists in his escape. After learning that Mr. Masterson is offering a huge reward for Louis’s capture, Lady Cremone wonders if he is covering for Julian. Meanwhile Julian, terrified of leaving London, hides out with Mr. Donaldson.
Episode 8 airs Sunday, Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. - 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.
DANCING ON THE EDGE was produced by Ruby Film and Television and supported by Endgame Entertainment, Playground Entertainment, Creative England and LipSync Productions.
Full episodes of DANCING ON THE EDGE will be available for online viewing for a limited time after each national broadcast.
Dancing on the Edge | Preview
