Funny Woman

Loved this mini-series. These days, they usually go on for too long, but there's not an ounce of fat on this one and it breezes by in six episodes.

Gemma Arterton shines as the funny woman, and Rupert Everett is quite hilarious, seemingly channeling Alastair Sim a bit. The rest of the cast is excellent, and the script is very fine. I haven't read the book, so I cannot compare the two, but I found this totally enjoyable and highly entertaining. The recreation of the 1960's was very good, including some imaginative use of vintage films of London with Arterton skillfully inserted into them. Highly recommended.

They've created the perfect, feel-good comedy drama with this. Everything about this just works. I can't think of anything at all which could make it any better. It's beautifully written, beautifully photographed and its optimism just makes you feel happy. You can't help but smile when you watch this.

In some ways it has a similar feel to the American show, MRS MAISEL but because the characters are more normal it's a little more relatable. It's instantly engaging and you yourself are fully on board with Sophie's journey. Gemma Arterton was born to play this role.... and Rupert Everett is hilarious.

Had assumed this was going to be a pretty predictable romcom or such given the trailers but it actually turned out to be a really nice heartfelt story of rags to riches with unexpected comic smarts from Arterton, who knew she could do comedy. There's ups and downs to her fortune along the way so not all rise and rise. It's not just Arterton who does well though, the whole cast are great, Everett, Batemen, Davies and Ali all contribute to a very enjoyable way to spend an evening. Unclear if another season is on the cards but I'd say there's legs in the characters but they'd need another story arc. Fingers crossed.

There should be more of these feel good nostalgic TV programmes. Lovely period piece set in the 1960s. Main character Barbara obviously based on Lucille Ball who was the famous zany female at that time and very pretty. Loved that Barbara was northern which as well as being female challenge to getting a comedic part on TV. Would have scored 10 except I think the story was stretched out a bit toward the end and could have been told in less than six episodes. Gemma Arterton plays the part very well indeed and I note is on the production team. Some clumsy, obvious efforts to try and raise 21st century woke issues.

What a treat this show turned out to be. Gemma Arturton in the lead was quite stupendous, consistently bringing every emotion to every scene - she ought to be right up there when the tv awards are handed out. Indeed, the whole cast are superb and so believable. Feel-good, yes, but I reckon it would be almost impossible not to be pulled in every emotional direction as this programme just gets better and better as it goes on. It would be great if a sequel came along, however, somehow it could just as well stay as a one-off. Finally, it should be thought of as a virtually unique tour-de-force and possibly one of Sky's ever dramas.