A lecture on French and Saunders
A leading scholar in television comedy is presenting her latest research at the University of Sunderland on Monday 3 June.
Dr Amy Holdsworth, a lecturer in the University of Glasgow’s School of Culture and Creative Arts, will explore the relationship between television, memory and nostalgia in a paper entitled, “French and Saunders are a girl’s best friend”.
Dr Holdsworth told Giggle Beats: “We often use television comedy to cultivate, reaffirm and memorialise everyday relationships and friendships. What I’m interested in is how we grow-up and grow-old with television.”
French & Saunders, which ran for six series on the BBC between 1987 and 2007, made an impression on the scholar. The series, Dr Holdsworth says, “was so important to me and my best friend when we were growing up. I think the comedy duo can reflect the kind of intensities you have with ‘best friends’ growing-up.”
“There is a fascinating layering of performance and parody in the series. They are both always someone else and yet always ‘French’ and ‘Saunders’.” It is this ‘parody of gender norms and caricatures’ that attracts the interest of feminist media scholars.”
Dr Holdsworth is also interested in the impact of new media upon comedy, particularly how segments are circulated between friends. “YouTube has changed the way comedy is produced, circulated and consumed – both in relation to contemporary and ‘classic’ television comedy. Television sketch shows seem particularly amenable to being fragmented and dispersed.”
Asked about the importance of the research about television comedy, Dr Holdsworth told Giggle Beats: “Television comedy can tell us a lot about national, regional and local forms of humour and identity”.
The talk is expected to last approximately 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A session.
It is a part of the University of Sunderland’s research seminar series in its Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies, recognised for producing ‘world leading’ research.
Prof. John Storey, the Centre’s director, says that the free event is open to all, with no pre-booking necessary.
Dr Holdsworth’s talk, “French and Saunders are a girl’s best friend”, will be held in The Barbour Room, David Puttnam Media Centre, St. Peter’s Campus, University of Sunderland, 1730-1900, Monday 3 June 2013.
