Girls on Top

I can only say that I was very disappointed with Girls on Top. I recently watched the first DVD with the first three episodes and found it to be more annoying than watchable.

I expected a lot more, considering what a big French and Saunders fan I am, but even knowing that this series was created before their more-celebrated partnership began doesn't make this show any funnier. Dawn French has the only semi-likable character on the show ... with Tracy Ullman and Ruby Wax being completely over the top in their portrayals (Wax is an American, and I shudder to think what the British must really think of us).

Sure, I laughed a couple of times, but most of the time I just strived to try and understand what was being said. It was interesting to see Alan Rickman (one of my favorite actors) in a bit part in the first episode as well, but there really wasn't much to redeem this britcom.

If you like these actresses, check out their later work ... avoid wasting your time with Girls on Top.

This sitcom was a launching pad for Tracey Ullman, even Ruby Wax, Jennifer Saunders, and Dawn French in the cast as four unlikely roommates in a Chelsea flat with Lady Carlton (played by the wonderful Joan Greenwood). The series is mindless fun to watch and even thirty years later. Tracey Ullman has always been one of my favorite comics, a British Lucille Ball. She and the executive producer (her husband Allan McKeown) would move to America and produce her show. Tracey is still talented and funny even here. Ruby Wax OBE plays Shelly Dupont annoyingly but lovable too. She met her husband, Ed Bye (director) on the series. Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French's professional comedic partnership is first displayed here. French plays Amanda as a left wing feminist and funny. Saunders plays a moody roommate. Each roommate has a character developed to show their strengths. This series would not be one of British comedy's best but watchable and lovable all as well. You can't help but enjoy it.

Given the absolutely stellar cast - Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Ruby Wax and Tracy Ullman - I was surprised not to have heard of this show. It doesn't seem to be very well known (has it been repeated on TV?) but watching it, one can see why.

There are some funny moments, and it's definitely worth a watch if you're fans of any of the actors.

The main problem is Ruby Wax's character: just overly loud, shouty and grating. I kept wanting to turn the volume down whenever she had a scene.

Tracy Ullman's character is also a bit too much, but would work as the "ditsy clown" with just French and Saunders and their straighter characters. But with Ullman's constant squeaking and Wax's constant shouting, it's all too much.

I was reminded of Babes in the Wood (what an odd ensemble that was, with Jacko from Brushstrokes inexplicably hanging around three women half his age) but at least with that, there were just three girls including only one "clown" (the uber ditsy girl brilliantly played by . And it suffered in the second series when Samantha Janus left to be replaced with an over-the-top character rather than another straightman.

Anyway, give this a go if you come across a copy. It's fun for all the guest stars if nothing else: Hugh Laurie is particularly wonderful.

These Girls On Top dvds are a must for French & Saunders fans. It's some of the best of their early work. I love Dawn's character, Amanda. And I also think Jennifer is brilliant as the slow, child-like Jennifer Marsh. My only complaint is that Ruby Wax kind of over acts and after a while I find myself wanting to slap her silly. Other than that, this a great show with a lot of funny moments. Once you get to know the characters you will love them. Unfortunately there are only 13 episodes made and I doubt there will be any in the future. I for one would love to see a Girls On Top reunion. Bottom line...you will enjoy the show. Buy it!

Well, what can i say about Girls on Top then? OK, its not as funny as Ab Fab or anything that Dawn French or Tracey Ullman have been in recently, but still, it was an enjoyable comedy. Now everyone says Ruby Wax, who plays the eccentric, failed American actress Shelly, and Tracey Ullman the typical London, bimbo slag as the most annoying of the girls, but i found these two to be very funny in deed, and nice to see Jennifer Saunders at her ditsy best. And what can i say i say about Joan Greenwood? hilarious! and the thing with her dead stuffed dog Joesphine is simply pure comedy! i loved this programme i really did, but it ain't Ab Fab believe u me. but if your a fan of any of the girls, then i would recommend it! 4**** out of 5*****