Funny Girl

New BBC Sitcom Miranda proves women can be funny!





Now I admit that I'm usually a supporter of the statement that "women aren't funny," this may seem slightly harsh, especially coming from a woman. But I mean on a professional scale, there are very few women comedians out there who come anywhere close to challenging some of our best male comics, however this new female led sitcom is a breath of fresh air for television audiences.



Comedienne Miranda Hart, plays a hopeless 30-something toy-shop owner in a new comedy that is genuinely laugh-out-loud hilarious. The show harks back to sitcoms of the 70's with it's studio audience and simple one room settings but without feeling dated. After seeing a trailer for the show I wasn't holding out much hope of comedy gold, but I'm very glad I gave it chance. It may not be the most clever, sharp or satirical comedy out there; it errs on the side of slapstick on numerous occasions and some of the situations Miranda finds herself in are ridiculous, but you wont care about this as you will be too busy laughing.



The main storyline running throughout the series sees Miranda trying to win the affection of gorgeous chef Gary who works next door; the suspense over how their relationship will end is played out as well as in any soap or drama. Miranda's awkwardness is brilliantly juxtaposed by her organised and good-looking best friend, Stevie and her life is made a whole lot worse by the ever presence of her pushy mother.



Ultimately it's Miranda Hart's brilliant comic performance which makes this comedy worth watching, proving that there are a few women, at least, out there who can be funny.

A Random Rant

Why, oh why, do wrinkly old women feel the need to get stark bollock naked (what's the female equivalent of that phrase?) when showering in swimming baths? I understand that showering in your swimming costume doesn't get you 100% squeaky clean but it does prevent fellow swimmers from having to go through the embarrassment of showering with someone who reminds them of their nan. Why can't they simply rinse themselves off as best they can and then shower later in the privacy of their own bathroom, I mean it's not like they have to get back to the office!

I resent having to put up with this sight every time I fancy a nice little swim. If I wanted to see wrinkly, naked Grannies I'm pretty sure there are websites for that kind of thing!

A revelation; for all the wrong reasons!

Recently, from some unbeknown reason my boyfriend bought me Peter Andre's "long awaited new album" Revelation. Although I never would have bought it myself I, of course, gave it a listen. (a few listens actually, but purely for the purpose of this review obviously.)

When it comes to picking sides in the whole Jordan and Peter debacle I definitely fall into Team Andre's corner (the lesser of two evils, some might say) and quite a large part of me actually wanted the album to be good, so it pains me to write my verdict of the album; that verdict being that its, quite frankly, rubbish.

There is one major problem with the album and that's the simple fact that all the songs-with the exception of maybe two-sound the same. The abnormally short gap between tracks doesn't help matters either. The first single 'Behind Closed Doors' really is the best track on the album and annoying buying it on the strength of the single hoping for more of the same standard I feel will be left bitterly disappointed. 'Call the Doctor,' which I'm sure will be the next single, is one of the better tracks but even this demonstrates my other major gripe with the record: the lyrics. Whilst I admire Andre for writing his own songs, the album, for me, is just too personal. Lyrics like; 'it hurts so bad 'cus I was true to her, I'm regretting having anything to with her' are blatant and lacking in sensitivity and intelligence.

Saying all this there are a few nice touches on the album; some of the arrangements really work, especially the choir on 'Unconditional' and a couple of the songs are catchy. You can tell that Andre really put his heart and soul into making this album and i do believe there's the makings of a good record in there somewhere and who knows maybe his next album will be the masterpiece that his fans hoped 'Revelation' would be.

The album cover points out another flaw: Peter's taking himself just a little bit too seriously. Plus, why isn't he wearing any socks?!