by Brian Campbell

It really is hard to believe that it’s been a quarter of a century since iconic sitcom Absolutely Fabulous first hit our TV screens. Gaudily modern, unashamedly brash and down right hilarious, it has become something of a British institution, complete with a cult following of in-the-know international fans.

Rumours of a big-screen outing have circulated for years and I was afraid that it may have been a decade too late for this long anticipated release, also coming almost four years since the last televised episodes. My fears were allayed, however, with this laugh-a-minute comedy romp which plays like an homage to all the mad characters and farcical plot twists that made the original series a hit.

The film sees Eddy and Patsy go on the run in the South of France after believing they have killed supermodel Kate Moss. Yes, the actual Kate Moss, who makes a spirited attempt to act. It’s familiar territory for our champagne guzzling, drug dabbling anti-heroines who are thankfully played with similarly familiar comic astuteness by Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Indeed, Lumley lifts even the weakest scenes she appears in to levels of comic genius by her sheer ability to embody TV’s ultimate lush. Every nuanced grimace, nonchalant admission of her excessive use of botox, alcohol and cocaine, and – of course – the odd drunken tumble, is delivered with such comic conviction that it’s not difficult to see why Patsy is regarded as one of situation comedy’s greatest creations.

Saunders too, in her role as the perennially immature and insecure Eddy is on fine form delivering the material she writes herself with relish, and having obvious fun by throwing her characters into this new predicament. There are welcome returns, too, from Julia Sawalha as Eddy’s uptight daughter Saffy, June Whitfield as her mother, and Jane Horrocks as madcap PA Bubble. Cameos are in abundance, too, from Christopher Biggins to Stella McCartney and Eddy’s loyal yet frustrated celebrity clients Lulu and Emma Bunton. By the end, however, the celebrity appearances seem to be annoyingly shoe-horned into every scene for effect and add little to the plot.

It’s forgiven, however, since the film is just plain funny, including many moments that will be added to the show’s long list of iconic moments. Perhaps coming a week after the uncertainty of the Brexit vote helps, as we all look for a reassuring laugh. But whatever the reason, Absolutely Fabulous makes for a fun night out and after 25 years of hilarity it certainly deserves a warm reception.

[imdb id=tt2112096]