Lizzie And Sarah (BBC-2 2010, Jessica Hynes, Julia Davis)

New comedy pilot Lizzie and Sarah follows a pair of fifty something housewives who feel their lives are going astray and that their husbands are not giving them the respect or time they feel they deserve, the one highlight though is their involvement in the local amateur dramatic society – The Borking Players.

When a popular local teenager is killed in an accident and a none too bright birthday lunch is endured by Sarah, the duo decide to get away from it all with a shopping spree, along the way they hit upon the ideal way to get back at those they feel they have been slighted by.

Like the best kind of comedy its the quiet observational moments that impress the most. Hynes and Davis are as always fantastic, made up beyond their years in a riot of polyester and nylon and fat suits. Some of the characters had appeared on the radio show starring Jessica and Julia but the stated aim of a possible series is to focus on a different pair of characters each time out, coming together to form a homegenous piece. The duo also play teenagers Ellie and Faith! Sadly this ended up just being the one episode.

production details
UK / BBC Two / 1×30 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 20 March 2010 @ 11.45pm

Writers: Jessica Hynes, Julia Davis / Costume Design: Claire Finlay / Make Up: Christine Cant / Producer: Alison MacPhail / Director: Elliot Hegarty

cast
JESSICA HYNES as Sarah and Ellie
JULIA DAVIS as Lizzie and Faith
KEVIN ELDON as Rick
MARK HEAP as Michael
DAVID CANN as John
CLAIRE RUSHBROOK as Fiona
JESSICA GUNNING as Branita
STEPHEN EVANS as Barry
LILLY AINSWORTH as Podge
PRAVIN SUNWAR as Quarm
AMANDA RAWNSLEY as Shop Assistant

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.