Up in Town is a masterpiece. Brilliantly conceived and written, and astoundingly performed by national treasure Joanna Lumley. These 10-minute monologues are among the best television I have ever seen. I could wax lyrical about subtlety, subtext and the fine line between pathos and comedy, but you really need to see it to appreciate the sublime intelligence of Hugo Blick's creation and the compelling performance of his quite brilliant solo star. This is an actress at the height of her powers after decades in the business. So, I can't imagine why the programme has been hidden away, unheralded in the (BBC2) schedules both recently (early 2006) and when it was originally shown a couple of years ago. I happened upon the last episode back then and was blown away, so I'm delighted to have been able to at last enjoy more insights into sad but strong Maddie, and learn about her life, loves and losses. I laughed and I cried. More like this, please.
Review of Up in Town
