Sublime

Fleabag (2016-19), Dir. Phoebe Waller-BridgeFleabag, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, stands out as a masterpiece of contemporary storytelling, and its brilliance is encapsulated in the magnificent speech delivered by Kristin Scott Thomas in series two.The show has been celebrated for its witty and raw portrayal of modern life, but this particular monologue elevates it to a new level and is a personal favourite.Thomas’s character, Belinda, takes centre stage, delivering a candid exploration of womanhood. The speech cleverly dissects the inherent pain women carry, from menstrual cycles to childbirth, contrasting it with men’s pursuit of external challenges.The climax of Belinda’s revelation comes with the menopause, a moment framed as both horrendous and magnificent. The honesty in acknowledging physical struggles, from a crumbling pelvic floor to sudden heat, resonates universally.The speech transcends mere dialogue, becoming a manifesto on emancipation, portraying menopause not as an end but as a liberation—a shedding of societal expectations and bodily constraints.In essence, Fleabag transforms a biological inevitability into a symbol of empowerment, challenging preconceptions of womanhood with humour and brutal honesty.Waller-Bridge’s ability to infuse the narrative with such depth and nuance solidifies Fleabag’s status as a groundbreaking exploration of the human experience.What are your favourite female-led/created series?-Fleabag (2016-19), Dir. Phoebe Waller-BridgeSeries adapted from the award-winning play about a young woman trying to cope with life in London whilst coming to terms with a recent tragedy.Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Olivia Colman, Andrew Scott