Funny Woman is coming to Sky Max

Funny Woman is coming to Sky Max this Thursday and I absolutely loved this program. 

As I settled into the first episode, it did remind me of Prime's The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, which by the way, I also love!

Based on a novel by Nick Hornby, Funny Woman follows the life of Barbara Parker (Gemma Arterton) who risks having it all in Blackpool to follow her dreams of making it in London in the 1960s. 

Recently crowned Miss Blackpool, Barbara struggles to make it in London due to the fact she is a blonde bombshell in the 60s and no one is listening to her and everyone is prejudging her based on her looks.

Before making it onto the silver screen Barbara works in a departmental store, selling hats.  It's clear very early on that Baraba is not cut out for the stuffy world of hats and often plays up.  

Her mischievous side attracts the attention of her soon-to-be best friend and flatmate Marjorie (Alexa Davies).  Marjorie is that one friend we all have!  She is also one of the best characters in the show in my opinion. 

Barbara meets her talent scout by chance when a rather sleazy customer from the perfume section treats her like a piece of meat!  So, (with the guidance of her agent) Barbara reinvents herself as Sophie Straw.  

The program tackles homosexuality and racism in the 60s as well as sexism.  From Spike Milligan being asked to play an Indian to Diane having her shift changed when they bring in a truly horrible racist to interview in the studio.

The series is only six episodes (I wish it was more), and for hardcore binge-watchers, this could be done in a weekend sitting.

You fall in love with Barbara and her friends Marjorie and Diane (Clare-Hope Ashitey), with the TV writers Bill and Tony (Matthew Beard, Leo Bill)  and Dennis (Arsher Ali) who clearly loves Baraba as much as we do.

A feel-good, TV show that you can just get lost in.

Funny Woman Synopsis

It’s 1964 and girls are expected to be flirty, fabulous and fertile - they are not expected to be funny - but Barbara Parker is different. Based on Nick Hornby’s bestselling 2016 novel ‘Funny Girl’, this comic drama follows Barbara (Gemma Arterton), a young woman working in a Blackpool rock factory, who sets off for London without a plan but with a dream. She embarks on a mission to reinvent herself and find her voice in the male-dominated world of the 1960s sitcom. However, the road to stardom is paved with banana skins and she has many a pratfall before she achieves her goal.

Funny Woman will air 9th February at 9pm on Sky Max and NOW

Pros: Funny, warm comedy 

Cons: Only six episodes