"Mirrorball" stars the regular cast from "Absolutely Fabulous," and it almost seems like an experimental special that asks, "Can you take the "Ab Fab" cast, and put them in something else?" It had been previously announced "Absolutely Fabulous" wouldn't have anymore episodes produced when "Mirrorball" was made. I heard Jennifer Saunders thought of turning "Mirrorball" into her next series, and I am very glad she decided to return to writing more episodes of "Absolutely Fabulous." I enjoy this one-off special, but I don't know if I could have become a hardcore fan if it were her next series. Actually, it took a few viewings for me to shake off the favoritism of "Absolutely Fabulous," and really enjoy "Mirrorball." At times similarities can be seen between characters, dialog, and actions. You can't really help but make comparisons between the "Ab Fab" characters and the "Mirrorball" characters, but Jennifer Saunders has done a fine job in creating a totally different setting and atmosphere. Saunders plays an out of work actress named Viv. She has some minor clashes and exchanges with her roommate, Freda (Julia Sawalha), who seems to be having more success landing acting jobs. Viv's close friend, Jackie (Joanna Lumley), lives right downstairs in a flat with her husband, Brice (Tim Wylton.) The couple doesn't get along, and tension rises when Brice buys the favorite local pub. Brice also has connections with show business, and one of his performers is an aging star named Dora (June Whitfield.) Viv tries out for a part in the musical version of "Angela's Ashes," and she wins the lead role. A time of celebration turns into a humorous tragedy when Viv breaks one of her legs in an accident. Jane Horrocks plays Yitta, a foreign girl with a heavy accent. Yitta also tries out for a part in the musical (a very funny audition), and she's a waitress at Brice's newly bought pub. Harriet Thorpe plays a bit player named Cat Rogers. She fills in for actors who need time off from their stage shows, and she seems to be filling in for every show in town. Television and stage actress Bonnie Langford plays another candidate for the musical version of "Angela's Ashes." "Mirrorball" may take more than one viewing to appreciate the differences and characters presented. It's a worthy effort with clever humor that may get lost if you are unwilling to dislocate your admiration for "Absolutely Fabulous." Saunders' husband, Adrian Edmondson, has done a fine job with directing "Mirrorball," and the show was put together very well. "Mirrorball" also contains some very funny stunts that look like they must have hurt! It is available on the "Absolutely Fabulous: Series Four" DVD as an extra feature.
Review of Mirrorball
Mirrorball
(2000 TV Movie)
It may take more than one viewing to appreciate
12 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers