Plot Synopsis

Set in Britain in the 1930s, this scripted drama follows the journey of the Louis Lester Band, a group of black jazz musicians, as they steadily rise to stardom while performing at various elite social gatherings hosted by London's aristocrats. DANCING ON THE EDGE opens with music journalist Stanley missing the end of a Louis Lester Band gig, but gambling after hearing rave reviews and promptly signing them. The band is booked to play at the shabby Imperial Hotel before an elderly audience who have never seen black musicians before. Although Britain's climate was flourishing with extraordinary social change, many of them walk out in outrage; meanwhile, a group of progressive socialites are intrigued and impressed, and invite the band to play at a private party for Prince George. Members of this group befriend the ensemble and introduce them to the posh life of upper class London society, treating them to decadence with rooms at the hotel, fine clothes and sumptuous feasts. After their manager overplays his hand in negotiations and ends up being deported. Stanley, who is convinced they will be the biggest band in Britain, features them on the front cover of his magazine, "The Music Express." Then, the band finds a patron in widow Lady Lavinia Cremone, who invites broadcasters from BBC Radio to their concert, resulting in a record release and causing fans to wait for autographs outside their hotel. But the blissful eminence surrounding the band abruptly changes when the band members are entangled in a murder conspiracy. Starz aired the U.S. premiere of DANCING ON THE EDGE on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 10pm ET/PT.