The story behind the creation of ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ reveals early tensions and setbacks that nearly derailed the iconic comedy, which has since become a cultural landmark.
Inside the Making of ‘Absolutely Fabulous’: The Near Miss That Almost Changed Comedy History
The legacy of “Absolutely Fabulous” (Ab Fab), a groundbreaking British sitcom that first graced television screens in the early 1990s, is one of comedy innovation and an unintentional feminist movement. However, the creation of this iconic show was fraught with early tensions and uncertainties that nearly prevented it from coming to fruition.
The show, starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, brought to life the hilariously chaotic lives of Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone. Produced by Jon Plowman, who also produced renowned shows such as “The Office” and “The Vicar of Dibley”, “Absolutely Fabulous” offered audiences a comedic relief, portraying women as unapologetically self-indulgent and flawed, breaking away from traditional sitcom portrayals of women.
The formation of this legendary duo wasn’t as seamless as they appeared on screen. Joanna Lumley almost exited the project early on, over misunderstandings with Jennifer Saunders. Plowman revealed in a recent interview how Lumley’s concern about Saunders’ late delivery of scripts, combined with a misconception that Saunders might not have favoured her, led Lumley to attempt a withdrawal from the pilot. Her agent, however, convinced her to stay, assuring it was only a pilot and might not lead to anything substantial.
These early setbacks were also compounded by initial reactions from BBC executives. One executive, upon watching a dress rehearsal, expressed doubts about finding humour in women being portrayed inebriated. Yet, the live audience’s reaction in the evening recording cleared all reservations, marking the start of Ab Fab’s unstoppable success.
Despite these early challenges, by the third episode, the cast and crew had found their rhythm. The chemistry between Lumley and Saunders flourished, leading to one of television’s most beloved comedic pairings. Saunders’ shyness, initially misinterpreted as aloofness, eventually found a complementary partner in Lumley’s vibrant stage presence.
Saunders and Lumley’s characters broke new ground in television by showcasing women as hilariously imperfect, a portrayal that Plowman acknowledges sparked discussions about feminism, albeit unintentionally. The show featured fewer male characters, highlighting women both in front of and behind the camera, which, according to Plowman, contributed to its fresh perspective and unique brand of humour.
The show’s impact resonated beyond the UK, with Saunders and Lumley receiving Beatles-esque receptions during their travels to the US, demonstrating the show’s global appeal. It carved out a place for women in comedy, proving they could be equally as riotous and engaging as their male counterparts.
Reflecting on the series, Plowman credits the success of any comedic venture to two elements: character and surprise—both of which Ab Fab had in abundance. Recalling specific moments during production, he fondly remembers Lumley’s commitment to character, perfecting Patsy’s botox-injection scenes, and Saunders’ memorable late arrival on set due to unforeseen circumstances like a farrier visit.
The cultural backdrop into which Ab Fab emerged was one more receptive to experimental television than today’s environment, according to Plowman. He suggests that the current climate for sitcom development, constrained by budget and risk aversion, might stifle similar breakthroughs.
As the documentary “Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out” premieres on UKTV Gold, it reunites the cast and delves into the intricacies of bringing such an influential show to life—an event that celebrates a pivotal moment in comedy history and the legacy of Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. The documentary airs tonight at 9pm, offering fans a deeper insight into the show’s journey from uncertainty to a formidable element of television grandeur.
Source: Noah Wire Services