Creating a Contemporary Mitford

Bessie Carter attributes her role in portraying Nancy Mitford to a confluence of coincidences, partly due to her family’s history. She was born in the same London hospital as Mitford, grew up in a neighboring area, and even attended the same school, albeit years apart. Another unexpected alignment involved narrating an audiobook of The Pursuit of Love, unbeknownst to the producer who later cast her in the series.

This role involves playing Mitford in the BritBox series Outrageous. This six-part series chronicles the Mitford siblings—Nancy, Pamela, Tom, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah—in the pre-World War II era. It showcases their privileged yet unconventional lives within the British aristocracy undergoing significant societal change. The six sisters are now renowned for their contrasting political views and personalities, a legacy that forms the foundation of a substantial body of biographical works. However, the series depicts their lives before they achieved this iconic status.

Carter’s prior roles in Bridgerton and Mrs. Warren’s Profession, alongside her parents, Imelda and Jim Carter, prepared her for the depth of this role. Her preparation involved reading Mary S. Lovell’s biography, The Sisters, upon which the series is based, and a collection of the Mitford sisters’ letters. This in-depth research helped her accurately portray the sisters’ interactions and relationships, avoiding stereotypes.

The series’ creator, Sarah Williams, praised Carter’s performance, highlighting her ability to convey a blend of intelligence, wit, and vulnerability. Carter’s portrayal reportedly set the tone for the rest of the cast. Carter herself had to reconcile the legendary image of Nancy Mitford with the real person, discovering the evolution of the character’s sense of responsibility and awareness of privilege over the course of the series. This resonated with Carter’s own experience leading a cast for the first time.

The series’ themes of divisive politics and social upheaval remain relevant today. Carter speculated on how Nancy Mitford might have navigated modern life, suggesting she would have utilized her privilege for positive change instead of remaining confined to a privileged existence. The series’ contemporary relevance surprised Carter, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Mitford sisters’ story.