October 7th 2024.
Are you ready for the return of Alma's Not Normal? After an excruciatingly long wait, the highly anticipated second series is finally here. The talented creator, writer, and star of the show, Sophie Willian, shared some wise words at a recent screening: "You can't just write about yourself, it has to feel like it's about something bigger than you." Although she did follow that up with a cheeky comment about the press, but I'm pretty sure she was just joking.
Sophie is undeniably one of the most exciting talents to come out of the BBC in the past decade. At a time when new voices and fresh talent are rare, Sophie's comedic gem, Alma's Not Normal, stands out as a rare find. It has even been dubbed "the next Fleabag", although personally, I think it's even better.
This semi-autobiographical series follows the life of Alma, a free-spirited, chain-smoking, aspiring actress from Bolton. She was raised by her nan and spent most of her childhood in care due to her mother's struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues. While this may seem like a recipe for a tragic drama about the failures of the UK care system, it's actually one of the funniest and smartest shows I've seen in recent memory.
The first series of Alma's Not Normal won Sophie a BAFTA, and those who have seen it cannot stop raving about it. It's been four long years since we last saw Alma, looking like a fabulous version of Bagpuss in her pink and white coat, puffing on a cigarette and using her camp articulation to describe everything as "fabulous".
But the wait is finally over, and Alma is back for another six episodes. Unfortunately, Sophie has confirmed that this will be the last we see of Alma, unless there's a Christmas special, which seems likely given the show's rapturous reception. When we last left Alma, she was leaving behind her job as a sex worker to pursue her acting dreams, destined for stardom. But in the second series, she returns from her national tour to find that her career is still at square one. She's back in Bolton, jobless once again.
But it's not all bad news. Alma has a new set of wheels and even finds an agent, although they work in the backroom of a chippy and mostly deal with scraps. While Alma may still be struggling to reach her dreams, the women around her have experienced some significant changes. Leanne has struck gold with her mobile bar business, Lin has turned to witchcraft, and Joan has a new pet to keep her busy.
There's no denying that Sophie Willian is the most exciting talent to come out of the UK in a long time. Alma's Not Normal is a breath of fresh air in the world of comedy, and its return only solidifies Sophie's talent and brilliance. In a sea of mediocre shows, Alma's Not Normal stands out as a punchy, British comedy that will be talked about for years to come.
It's rare to find a show that is both devastating and hilarious, and Alma's Not Normal manages to strike the perfect balance. There's one particular moment in the first episode that will have you laughing through tears, a true reflection of life that is rarely seen on screen.
Alma's Not Normal should have been the start of a new era in comedy, with its working-class and northern roots and genius writing that rivals the likes of Caroline Aherne. Led by four bold and unapologetic women, this dysfunctional girl power anthem is a refreshing change in television. And let's not forget that it's camp and ferocious enough to be immortalized by drag queens all over the UK.
Taking a four-year break between series is a bold move, but it has only made the return of Alma's Not Normal all the more satisfying. And to top it off, it's more urgent and timely than ever, given the overdue calls for more working-class voices in television. It's a no-brainer to invest in these voices, and Sophie Willian is living proof of that.
So make sure to tune in tonight at 10pm on BBC One for the return of Alma's Not Normal. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, don't hesitate to get in touch with The Agency entertainment team. We'd love to hear from you.
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