Live webchat with Dawn French

[rebeccamumsnet]

We are thrilled to announce that comedian, writer and actor Dawn French will be joining us here at the Towers on Wednesday 3 November, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm for a live webchat.
Dawn has appeared in some of the country's most long-running, fave shows including French and Saunders, The Comic Strip Presents?, Vicar of Dibley and most recently, Roger and Val Have Just Got In.
On top of her screen achievements, Dawn's memoir, Dear Fatty, topped the best-selling charts and now her first novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, is out and it's more than a tiny bit marvellous that she's joining us for a webchat. Hope you can too, but if you're unable to make it on Wednesday, post your questions here.

[LelloLorry]

Well, after reading the last 4 pages of Q's I don't think I much belong here.
I haven't seen the Vicar of Dibley, or, er, anythng else, but was a big fan of the Terry's chocolate orange adverts...

With your DD around University age, what do you think about the rising fees?

Ooh, another too, have you a favourite stand up comedian?

link.

[blinks]

if you know katy brand, could you please ask her to stop.

[ShowOfHandsInEpistolaryForm]

Miffy, "youwomen". I like that. As if we're one great homogeneous, perfumed, manicured, sycophantic, sprawling mass. I like to hear it in a 'youwomen, know your place' tone.

As TanteRose points out, as semi-literate, mostly evolved and basically aware humans, we've nearly all picked up on the fact that Dawn is a real woman. I spotted it about halfway through Roger and Val. Honestly, it was an epiphany. Not like all these other cyborg actors.

And what about a woman's weight precludes her from being a role model exactly (and Dawn French, are you a self-proclaimed role model, is anybody?)? There's a huge difference between somebody's personal vices and presuming they're somehow promoting them to the masses.

Personally, I object to all this High School Musical, Hannah Montana crap influencing the young girls around me. Bursting into song all over place, it's not very British is it?

[OrangeAgate]

Hi Dawn,

Wow - What an honour!! [shocked]

What are you enjoying in life now that you are newly single? What advice can you give to newly divorced mums?

Sorry that's two questions.

[TheJollyPirate]

miffy I wouldn't dream of asking someone such personal and emotive stuff as yuo suggest we should. Not if I did not know them well in real life.

Have a

[tallwivglasses]

Hi Dawn,

Love your work.

If you look at my (unimaginative) nickname and I tell you I was sad to miss the recent reunion, hopefully you'll work out who I am!

Are you still involved with Comic Relief? I'm hoping to apply for a project grant. Does the old college leotard tie count for anything??

[Misty164]

Hi Dawn!

You've just published your first novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous. What inspired the title? And why did you shift from writing fact to fiction?

:)

[shortnnoisy]

Hi Dawn

Eek, overwhelmed with excitement and uncontainable joy that I am, so to speak, talking to you AND that you have written a novel - I LOVED IT!!! Funny, poignant, had to get the tissues out!

My question: This is your first novel, how did you decide what to write about and will you be doing more?

Love you (sorry, bit stalkerish!)
xxxx

[mum2b1979]

Hi Dawn

I understand your new book "A Tiny Bit Marvellous" is the story of a family. Have you based any of the characters on your own family e.g your daughter?

x

[cowboylover]

Hi Dawn!

Firstly for a bit of star gushing but I hve always loved you and think such a role model for women not to be shrinking violets and be seen and heard in all the right places! Loved Dear Fatty after fighting my Mum for the 1st read on Holiday this year.

Anyway (sorry that was long)...

My Husband adores you and are on the top of his fantasy 'to do list' so as a single lady who is on yours after so many celebrity snogs?!

[SweetestThing]

Hello, Dawn. Have enjoyed and admired your work for many years and particularly loved Roger and Val, which showcased how versatile and sensitive an actor you are.

My question is - you are always seen as happy, smiling and joking and maybe that's because we all expect you to be: when you have darker moments, how do you deal with them?

Thank you

[LilyBolero]

hi Dawn, welcome to MN. I love your work, enjoy everything you're in!

I would like to ask you as a mother of a teenage girl what you think the best way to build a solid and long lasting relationship with a daughter is. Many people on here have difficult relationships with their mothers, and I don't want that to happen with me and MY daughter who is 7. What do you do to cement your relationship?

[BonkersforBonJovi]

Hi Dawn!

My question - Are you a regular MN'er? Don't reveal yourself if so, more fun to guess

[nicand2]

Hi Dawn,

What was the rude thing in the box when you were on the One Show last week?

P.s The Vicar of Dibley is the all time very best sit com - always makes me smile.

[maresedotes]

Hello Dawn

I loved Roger and Val. The Vicar of Dibley always reminds me of my lovely late mother. She asked me to explain the nuns in the bath joke at the end of one of the episodes and I didn't want to so made something up! She never knew.

My very serious question is: did you manage to get a ticket to see Take That? If you did and you have a spare one please may I come along with you?

Ignore all the other questions - my one is important.

xxxx

[scottishmummy]

hi dawn
is entertainment industry sexist-has gender helped or hindered your career?

[DawnFrench]

Test

[DeementKAAAABOOOOMed]

Oooohhhh!!!

Littlies can do their own bedtimes, can't they???

[ShinySoloSparklySolo]

Oooh! just heard DF on radio 2

and she's obviously borrowing a pc as she oh the shame doesn't have one...

[nameymcnamechange]

Gosh, you're nice and prompt. Are you actually THERE there, in Ye Olde Kentishe Towne?

[StripeyMoon]

Hello Dawn!

[Northernlight]

Hi Dawn!

What is your relationship with Jennifer Saunders now? Do you see her regularly?

[SecretNutellaFix]

Hi Dawn,

You are a very successful person, what would you say has been the driving force behind your success? Do you have any other avenues that you would like to try your hand at?