Victoria Wood

I was astounded to find this series rated as low as 7.4, and equally astounded to read in another review both of its declining viewing figures and the reviewer's opinion of the relative talents of Victoria Wood and Rik Mayall. To my mind these playlets are possibly the best thing Victoria Wood ever did, and believe me I am aware that there is a LOT of competition. The characterisation is superb, the dialogue snappy and beautifully detailed (rather like Alan Bennett's, who has himself expressed admiration for this aspect of Victoria's writing), and the acting by Victoria's regular repertory company and a few perfectly cast guests (NB Patricia Hodge, Kay Adshead) spot-on. One of the things I find most appealing is their depiction of female friendships, which was probably still a bit unusual in TV and film at the time. Maybe fans of The Sweeney and The Professionals found this off-putting.

A short-lived but very amusing series of plays from Victoria Wood. Actually - it's a shame that there never was another series because I absolutely loved them.

Each one features Victoria Wood as herself, finding herself into a different hilarious predicament.

Many of Victoria's other regular co-stars popped up in this series as well. Including Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Susie Blake, and other famous faces included Una Stubbs, and Jane Horrocks.

In my eyes Victoria Wood could do no wrong. I own pretty much everything she ever did and can watch her shows over and over again - including this series.

Whilst this isn't Victoria Wood's best work this series of playlets where she plays a fictionalised version of herself in different modern life situations - a health farm, video dating (remember this was made in 1989!), package holidays, walking holidays, society parties, daytime TV, does have some very funny moments. My personal two favourite episodes are Mens Sana In Thingummy Doo Dah and We'd Quite Like to Apologise which have great supporting turns by performers Victoria Wood used in many of her shows - Celia Imrie, Anne Reid, Meg Johnson, Julie Walters.. All 6 episodes have very funny moments but the series as a whole is not her finest work. Victoria Wood herself even said she hated filming this series (a lot of which was done on location without a studio audience) and that she felt she shouldn't have been in every episode.

I do recommend this series to anyone who is a Victoria Wood fan, but don't expect it to reach the heights of As Seen on TV or Dinnerladies.