No Absolutely Fabulous Musical on the Cards says Ruby Wax

The Script Editor of the Television Series Rules Out Stage Adaptation

It had been rumoured that the popular television sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous” could be coming to the stage, possibly giving London theatre audiences a chance to relish in the goings-on of beloved characters like Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone (played by Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in the television show). But those hoping that the production would come to pass will be disappointed in the news that Ruby Wax, the series’ script editor, has ruled out such a show.

“Absolutely Fabulous” recently returned to television screens for Christmas and New Year’s specials (with a third set to appear during the Olympics). It originally appeared on the BBC in the 1990s and was revived for another two series early in the 2000s before returning for various specials in the years since. It stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley alongside Julia Sawalha, June Whitfield and Jane Horrocks with the focus being on Saunders’ character of Edina Monsoon, the PR agent attempting to stay fashionable and young. Saunders also writes the show, with Ruby Wax acting as a script editor.

Speaking to the Telegraph Wax pointed out that a musical version of the show was considered but was ultimately abandoned by Saunders and Wax has also ruled out working on such a venture. This, however, does not mean that a planned movie version has been ruled out and work is due to begin on that in the future.

However audiences hoping to catch the work of Saunders on a London stage will eventually get the chance as work continues on “Viva Forever”, the Judie Craymer-produced musical that will feature an original story held together by the music of The Spice Girls. That production is still without a home though 2012 has always been the year that the show has been tipped to land in the capital. It will follow in the footsteps of Craymer’s other jukebox musical “Mamma Mia!” and is likely to find a huge audience when it finally opens its doors.

“Viva Forever” is due to open at a London venue some time later in 2012/ early in 2013.