Page 3 | Jennifer Saunders: Live webchat, Thursday 10 October, 12.15-1.15pm

RachelMumsnet · 2013-10-07T16:30:18+00:00

Jennifer Saunders is joining us this Thursday (10 October) between 12.15 and 1.15 pm to tell us about her memoir: [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonkers-Life-Laughs-Jennifer-Saunders/dp/0241001560/?tag=mumsnet Bonkers, My Life in Laughs]]. Jennifer has been making us laugh since the early 80's; from Comic Strip through to French and Saunders, to the universally acclaimed Ab Fab with plenty of hilarious sketches thrown in (remember Comic Relief's take on [[http://youtu.be/94uO2io-n5E Mama Mia]]?). We're delighted that we've been allowed access to some of the fabulous pics from the book which you can now see in our [[http://www.mumsnet.com/books/webchats/jennifer-saunders-photos Gallery: The Many Faces of Jennifer Saunders]]. Join us at 12.15 on Thursday to speak to Jennifer LIVE or if you're unable to make that time, post a question to her in advance on this thread.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:07

@JenniferSaunders

[quote PuzzleRocks] What was your proudest career moment? Do you think you get the recognition you deserve for proving women are just as far more hilarious than men. Do you think it's harder for women comics now or when you were starting out?

What advice do you have for mothers of girls?
Did you find your girls never had any shortage of "friends" and was it an issue sorting the genuine from the starstruck?

Did you think Ade would win Masterchef? Who is the better cook in the Saunders/Edmondson household.

Kudos to you for your laptime on TopGear. What's your favourite car?

Screw the one question limit, this is Jennifer friggin Saunders.

I think my favourite car would be a 1950's Bentley Continental![/quote]

It's got such a glamourous style about it.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:09

@Shootingatpigeons

What gigs asked? In particular the suggestion that people might enjoy wearing Cancer like a badge. It is the badge no one wants surely? As others have commented you coped with your Breast cancer your way, I coped with mine a different way, personally I find all the "pink" stuff patronising and frustrating, but don't you think you should respect others for coping with their Cancer in whatever works best for them, not how others think they should cope?

The conversation about people wearing cancer like a badge came out of a part that I write about in the book and was only relevant to the people who critised me for being positive. It wasn't a generalisation and I completely agree with you. Everyone copes in their own way.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:10

@midwifeandmum

Oh dear if i wrote my memoirs. I think ppl would go blind if they read it dont tell my bosses at the nhs lol

Sooo excited to ask u a question jennifer, im a big fan.
I see ur daughter was born on same day and year as me 1986.
Sorry im rambling, just im a mega fan.
Some of my best laughs have been from your acting.
How do u keep a straight face when acting out those scenes?
Xx

You hope you've done all of the laughing you can do by the time rehearsals end so that you can keep a straight face, but if you look at the outtakes you'll see that we're not always successful.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:11

@southeastdweller

The Sunday Times review of your book mentioned you 'having digs at Mumsnet types'. Could you comment on that please?

I don't make digs at Mumsnet types! It's all done in a very light-hearted way and all I'm doing is apologising for moments in my life when I haven't been the perfect mother! If you look in the book, I tell the story of misplacing my baby, having had her in the bed breastfeeding one night, which I know isn't recommended practice.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:12

@JenniferSaunders

[quote southeastdweller] The Sunday Times review of your book mentioned you 'having digs at Mumsnet types'. Could you comment on that please?

I don't make digs at Mumsnet types! It's all done in a very light-hearted way and all I'm doing is apologising for moments in my life when I haven't been the perfect mother! If you look in the book, I tell the story of misplacing my baby, having had her in the bed breastfeeding one night, which I know isn't recommended practice.[/quote]

I think Mumsnet is marvellous!

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:12

@Reenypip

Will you ever go on tour again with dawn French? Or is it definitely over? We loved French and Saunders live.

No... and yes. I'm not saying we won't do anything live again, but it won't be in a French and Saunders format.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:13

@PrivatePeaceful

I would love to see a Girls On Top modern day reunion, what are the chances?

Very slim!

nowit · 10/10/2013 12:13

Hi Jennifer

Absolutely love you. French and Saunders and Ab Fab are my comfort blankets. Thank you.

I have a mini comedian in the making, she is but four but everyone she meets says she should be on the telly. She likes to do voices and has done from a young age - she is very funny and does an excellent Daddy Chubby in a northern accent.

How can I encourage her without turning her into a madam? Confidence is not an issue and i'm all for letting her be a child but her natural charisma is commented on a lot. Any advice?

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:14

@buttermellow

Of all the television shows and films that you've done, which was the most enjoyable to star in?

Well, it's really hard to choose. I couldn't choose between the stuff I've written myself – between French and Saunders and Ab Fab. Stuff I've been in... gosh! I think doing a voice in Shrek was the most enjoyable job I've done, even the singing. I had to sit next to Julie Andrews at the premier in Cannes, and I was very nervous when my singing came on, but afterwards she turned to me and said, "well done, dear."

Crumblemum · 10/10/2013 12:14

A really silly question but was it hard to still fancy Ade when you saw him in Bottom? I loved that show but I have to say it made all the boys in my class (at the time) instantly less attractive.

alicethecactus · 10/10/2013 12:15

Hi Jennifer!

What's the worst, and the best bit of parenthood? Thanks!

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:15

@owlface

Are you still doing ballet? It was really inspiring for me to see your At The Barre documentary.

No I'm not still doing ballet, and I no longer have a barre. But I have to say, I do miss it and I have the utmost respect for dancers. My posture at the moment could do with a bit of barre work.

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:16

@member

Did you feel your hand was forced into writing your memoir after the release of an unauthorised biography which was cobbled together from press reports already in the public domain?

I used to frequent a pub in Aberdeen with one of your brothers 25 years ago - I hope S is well!

No I didn't feel that at all, because the unauthorised biography was surprisingly kind and nice about me, and very useful in the writing of mine with it's facts and chronology!

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:17

@offtogetmesomebrains

Hi Jennifer,

I read your interview in the Guardian last week and was quite taken by the bit about you appearing frightening or aloof to other people. I was lucky enough to inherit my mother's 'face like a slapped arse'. I've been told it's quite intimidating to outsiders even when I'm merely contemplating what I'm going to have for my tea. I'm really quite a gentle person inside. To counteract my mean exterior I work really hard contorting my facial muscles into what I think is a mood-neutral shape when I'm meeting new folk. It's pretty exhausting, and quite probably I look a tad on the constipated side.

Basically I was wondering if your blank/frightening/aloof expression bothers you or has been a hindrance to you?

(God&that's sounds pretty rude. Sorry! Clearly it's not just my facial expression that is inappropriate&)

No, don't change your expression, it's very useful. Keep them guessing.

surreygirl · 10/10/2013 12:17

Another big fan here Jennifer! And I'm also someone who is quite quiet and spends my time trying to blend in and not be noticed...

Have you ever been asked to do "Strictly" and if not, would you ever think of doing it if asked one year?! Or do you think Edina would ever do a "Comic Relief" one? :)

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:18

@JenniferSaunders

[quote offtogetmesomebrains] Hi Jennifer,

I read your interview in the Guardian last week and was quite taken by the bit about you appearing frightening or aloof to other people. I was lucky enough to inherit my mother's 'face like a slapped arse'. I've been told it's quite intimidating to outsiders even when I'm merely contemplating what I'm going to have for my tea. I'm really quite a gentle person inside. To counteract my mean exterior I work really hard contorting my facial muscles into what I think is a mood-neutral shape when I'm meeting new folk. It's pretty exhausting, and quite probably I look a tad on the constipated side.

Basically I was wondering if your blank/frightening/aloof expression bothers you or has been a hindrance to you?

(God&that's sounds pretty rude. Sorry! Clearly it's not just my facial expression that is inappropriate&)

No, don't change your expression, it's very useful. Keep them guessing.

I don't think it's ever been a hinderence but it was very useful in the double act that I was always seen as the quiet intimidating one and Dawn was seen as the jolly sociable one. She could say things to people like, "Jen's not happy" and get things changed and moved about. I was always held up as a threat.

[/quote]

duffy · 10/10/2013 12:18

So, I suppose someone's got to ask so it might as well be me, do you by any chance use a penisbeaker in your house?

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:18

@IshefromGabon

Hi Jennifer. I wish you well with your book. I'm getting it in hard book and audio disk. My question is; do you see yourself acting in dramas or films playing straight roles in the future? I watched you play Lady Hester Stanhope and thought you were excellent in that role. I personally hope you continue with comedy as you are wonderful and it really brightens my day watching a half hour or an hour of one of you shows.

I don't mind doing straight stuff as long as it's fairly light-weight. The trouble is I can't take my serious face seriously and even the thought of me being serious makes me laugh. Dawn is much better at acting than me.

GoldFeather · 10/10/2013 12:19

Hi Jennifer, what would you say has been your career highlight? I've always imagined working on Ab Fab would be the best job ever! And I for one would love to see a film of it... Thanks for years of laughs.

motherofmuddles · 10/10/2013 12:19

Hi Jennifer
V v hard to stick to one questions, so many I could ask - you are on my
" if you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be list"
Why is it that there are less female comedians than male - hoping you'll know from your insider vantage point so to speak?
And thank you for making me laugh so so much from the Comic Strip to Ad Fab- I've loved it all

laurensween · 10/10/2013 12:19

Hi Jennifer!

Did you enjoy the experience writing your memoir - which I am very excited to read! And would you ever consider becoming an author?

Big RESPECT!! Lauren :D

Mimstar · 10/10/2013 12:20

My daughter is 4 and she's just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I've not been sleeping very well and I've been watching Ab Fab in bed to cheer myself up, I absolutely love it and have been watching it since I was probably too young to do so! So I just want to say thank you, thank you for creating something which is making me smile during a difficult time

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:20

@surreygirl

Another big fan here Jennifer! And I'm also someone who is quite quiet and spends my time trying to blend in and not be noticed...

Have you ever been asked to do "Strictly" and if not, would you ever think of doing it if asked one year?! Or do you think Edina would ever do a "Comic Relief" one? :)

I was asked to do Strictly at the beginning, and if I was ever going to do it I should have done it at the beginning when there wasn't quite the expectation that people could dance at all. I wouldn't do it now because I've looked in the mirror and I know what I would look like dancing. I'm sure most people go on it just to lose weight.

tripethelightfantastic · 10/10/2013 12:20

How do you feel about your husband winning materchef? Are your proud or a tiny bit jel? Would you ever want to do something like that? You would be brilliant on Strictly!

JenniferSaunders · 10/10/2013 12:20

@duffy

So, I suppose someone's got to ask so it might as well be me, do you by any chance use a penisbeaker in your house?

I do have a beaker by my bed. I don't call it a beaker - I call it a glass of water and if I ever found my husband putting his penis in it I'd probably divorce him immediately.