Bessie Carter on Finding the Modern Woman in 'Outrageous's Nancy Mitford

BritBox’s Outrageous brings the story of the Mitford sisters to life, six siblings who captured the imaginations of many in 1930s Britain thanks to their polarizing politics, scandalous social behavior, wealthy connections, and exceptional fashion sense. But while the behavior of younger sisters Diana and Unity may be the most shocking onscreen throughout the first season’s first four episodes, it’s eldest sister Nancy who serves as the narrative and emotional linchpin around which the rest of the show revolves. And while her story may be slightly less dramatic than that of, say, the sister writing antisemitic screeds in the newspaper from her perch in Adolf Hitler’s inner circle, it’s no less compelling to watch unfold.

The real Nancy Mitford is likely the family member most modern-day viewers (and indeed most Americans) are familiar with, thanks to her many books, some of which satirically poked fun at her siblings and their exploits. That she’s the primary storyteller of Outrageous makes perfect sense. However, the show smartly employs devices like the breaking of the fourth wall and the concept of the story being told years in the future by a Nancy who has already lived through it to complicate what we’re seeing onscreen.

Telly Visions had the chance to sit down with star Bessie Carter, who plays Nancy, to talk about the challenges of bringing such a well-known historical figure to life, working with her onscreen siblings, the timely issues at the heart of Outrageous creator Sarah Williams’s script, and lots more.