Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders reveal Absolutely Fabulous almost didn’t make it to TV after a BBC boss decided ‘drunk women aren’t funny’
As a dedicated follower of the world of entertainment and a passionate admirer of groundbreaking female comedy, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the sheer resilience and determination shown by Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders in bringing Absolutely Fabulous to life. It’s hard to imagine a television landscape without Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone, their larger-than-life characters that have not only entertained us but also paved the way for future generations of female comedians.
For more than 30 years they have been television’s favourite Bollinger-guzzling fashionistas.
However, it was a close call for Joanna Lumley, aged 78, and Jennifer Saunders, aged 66, as they almost missed out on their iconic roles in the series Absolutely Fabulous. A comedy executive at the BBC reportedly expressed that he didn’t find portrayals of drunk women amusing.
In a fresh BBC documentary titled “Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out,” the show’s producer, John Plowman, shared an interesting detail. He recalled showing the pilot episode to Robin Nash, who was in charge of comedy at the time, and asked for her opinion.
He commented, “I’ve never found it amusing when women get drunk.” At that moment, I realized, “That settles it, our relationship is finished.
However, the event took place during the nighttime hours. The crowd was exceptional, and what stands out most to me is when, at the conclusion, Ben Elton – a renowned comedian – turned to me and remarked, “I’ve seen the future of comedy, and it’s this.
For five seasons spanning 1992 to 2003, and culminating in a movie, Absolutely Fabulous featured an impressive roster of top-tier guest stars like Tom Holland, Emma Bunton, and Rosie Huntington Whitley.
In the upcoming documentary airing on Thursday, the show’s main actress Joanna Lumley commented: “I recall a review in The Times about television when the initial episode premiered, stating: ‘Regrettably, this won’t succeed and it’s not amusing. Drunk women aren’t funny.'” However, this is not an accurate portrayal of the show’s humor or the actresses’ performances.
‘Goodbye, this is the end of that show.’
Jennifer Saunders, her co-star and the show’s creator, commented with a recall of his words, “Watch out for the sitcom where the writer plays the leading role.” Upon hearing this, I had a moment of realization.
The British sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous” centers around Edina Monsoon, portrayed by Saunders, a PR executive with a penchant for alcohol and drugs, and her longtime friend Patsy, also played by Saunders. Together, they often live life in a blur of self-indulgent drunkenness.
The program is known for revolutionizing female comedy by challenging traditional expectations and stereotypes about female roles.
Ms. Saunders shared with Radio Times yesterday, “Initially it aired on BBC2, which back then felt similar to Channel 4; it allowed for some creative freedom.
‘There was no great expectation. Some male execs weren’t that impressed by women being drunk. But the show got audiences.’
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2024-10-08 02:35