Helen Brennan reviews Jennifer Saunders’ evening of questions from Edge Hill University students

Feb 2 2012 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

JENNIFER Saunders had 500 people rolling about laughing with an absolutely fabulous night as she entertained an invited audience at Edge Hill University.

The multi award-winning comedienne sat with a broad smile on her face as her good friend and chancellor of the university, Professor Tanya Byron, delved into her life with a series of warm and funny questions.

The two women entered the auditorium to rapturous applause, Jennifer looking as excited as the audience.

A game of conversational ping-pong began between Tanya and Jennifer as their warm and witty chat had the crowd wanting more.

The Absolutely Fabulous star talked about her nomadic childhood due to her father’s job with the RAF.

The only girl of four competitive siblings, Jennifer, 53, said moving about so much helped her fit in with strangers, often becoming different characters in different situations.

Born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire in 1958, she now lives in Devon with husband Adrian Edmondson and has three grown up daughters – Ella, Beattie and Freya.

Following 30 years in the entertainment industry, Jennifer has a number of awards under her belt, including two BAFTAs, an Emmy and an honorary doctorate from the University.

She talked about her enduring double act with Dawn French which began at the London Central School of Speech and Drama in 1978.

Although they did not immediately hit it off they ended up sharing a flat and the rest is history.

Questions from the audience included ‘how do you relax – is it by writing?’ An emphatic ‘no’ was the reply followed by the surprise revelation she’s an Olympic-class sweeper.

Another asked ‘what would you love to do next’ prompting ecstatic applause when Jennifer revealed she harbours ambitions to make a feature film version of Absolutely Fabulous.

The comedienne appeared at Edge Hill University to raise funds for their students and also for the charity to which she is patron, CHICKs, which offers respite breaks for disadvantaged children.

Audience member Sue Mooney said: “I really enjoyed it. Jennifer Saunders came across well, a warm, interesting person.

“ I could listen to her all day long, she was self-deprecating and came across as a nice woman.

“It was good having an insight into her life!”

Later that night, Jennifer herself posted on Twitter: “Thanks to everyone who came to my ramblings tonight at Edge Hill Uni with Tanya Byron Prof and gave money to a great charity CHICKs.”

Dr John Cater, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “It is a real privilege that our good friend and honorary graduate Jennifer Saunders has agreed to return to share thoughts and memories from her influential life and career.”