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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Absolutely Fabulous

Joanna Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous.

“It’s Lacroix, darling!” This British sitcom debuted in 1992, and over six madcap seasons it follows the adventures of the publicist Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders) and her best friend, erstwhile fashion editor Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley), as they clomp through the streets of London—in vertiginous heels—only to collapse on the floor or sofa in a heap of absurdity and feigned despair. For Saunders, who created and wrote the show, no topic is off-limits. Her sendups of diet culture, the fashion world, motherhood, so-called “wellness,” and sex are just as relevant and biting today as they were nearly 30 years ago. And laughing out loud is guaranteed. —Ashley Baker

Ashley Baker is a Deputy Editor at AIR MAIL

Photo: Photo12/French & Saunders Productions/BBC/Alamy