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Absolutely Fabulous

Kirsty Wark brings together the stars of 麻豆官网首页入口 sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, which was set in the glamorous world of fashion PR in the 90s.

Absolutely Fabulous first appeared on our TV screens in November 1992. Over the years it has established itself as one of the 麻豆官网首页入口s best loved and most enduring sitcoms.

It depicts the 鈥渨omen behaving badly鈥 exploits of fashion PR Edina Monsoon, played by Jennifer Saunders, and her disreputable friend Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley).

Edina鈥檚 daughter, the strait-laced Saffy (played by Julia Sawalha) is appalled and embarrassed by her mother鈥檚 excesses.

Edina鈥檚 own mother, played by June Whitfield and only ever referred to as 鈥淢other鈥, is a semi-detached observer armed with withering put downs.

On the page, Edina鈥檚 PA, was 鈥渁 posh airhead鈥, but Jane Horrocks gave her a northern accent and transformed her into the surreal, singular Bubble.

Much of the writing of the series was developed in the rehearsal room, and then performed in front of a studio audience.

Producer Jon Plowman feared the worst when after the main rehearsal for the first episode, his immediate boss announced: 鈥淚've never found women being drunk very funny鈥.

Following the success of the first series audience members began dressing up as Edina and Patsy and stars including George Michael and Cher came to watch. 鈥淲aiting to go on I was always terrified鈥 recalls Lumley.

鈥淎b Fab鈥 went on to win two International Emmy awards, five BAFTA awards, and four British Comedy awards.

In this episode of The Reunion, Kirsty Wark (who played a cameo role in the series, and the subsequent film) is joined by Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks and producer Jon Plowman.

Presenter: Kirsty Wark
Producer: Emily Williams
Series Producer: David Prest

A Whistledown production for 麻豆官网首页入口 Radio 4

Available now

57 minutes

Last on

Boxing Day 2024 12:04

Broadcasts

  • Christmas Day 2024 08:00
  • Boxing Day 2024 12:04

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