Bridget Christie’s sitcom, “The Change,” received rave reviews this summer and she is now bringing her stand-up tour to Dublin. In an interview, she discusses her goal of making women feel acknowledged and shares her own experiences with menopause.
Christie had the idea for “The Change” about eight years ago when she decided to create a comedy drama centered around a middle-aged woman. Throughout the years, as she went through the challenges of menopause, her script improved. In the sitcom, Christie portrays Linda, a woman who visits her doctor with a list of complaints related to menopause. Linda’s life is in disarray, with her teenage children and her inept husband adding to her frustrations. However, Linda is surprised when her doctor mentions menopause, as she had not realized that her symptoms were related to it.
Christie explains that many women, like herself, are not fully aware of menopause and tend to overlook the symptoms due to busyness and other factors. She never discussed menopause with her older sisters, and this lack of communication is reflected in “The Change.” Equipped with a menopause diagnosis, Linda decides to break free from her domestic routine, buys a motorbike, and embarks on a journey to retrieve a time capsule she buried as a child. The sitcom portrays the upheaval and messiness that often accompanies major life changes.
Although Christie drew inspiration from her own life, including childhood experiences and her decision to buy a motorbike, she clarifies that “The Change” is not autobiographical. She recognizes her privilege as a comedian, stating that she never gave up on her dreams and never felt like she lost her sense of identity. However, she acknowledges that in a parallel universe, she could have ended up in a similar situation.
Christie’s Irish Catholic upbringing in Gloucester also had a significant influence on her work. She mentions that her childhood was culturally Irish, with a strong Irish community, church involvement, and storytelling. Comedy became her focus about 20 years ago, with her show, “A Bic for Her,” winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2013. Despite offers from television networks, Christie desired to create her own project and found support from Channel 4. “The Change” aired earlier this year to critical acclaim, giving Christie the opportunity to bring attention to menopause and make women feel seen and acknowledged.
In her personal life, Christie feels liberated after going through menopause and finds herself in a calm state of mind. She experienced personal changes, including a split from her husband, comedian Stewart Lee, but she remains optimistic and grateful for her overall well-being.
Bridget Christie’s live performance will take place at Liberty Hall on November 5, and tickets are available for purchase on Ticketmaster. “The Change” is also available for streaming on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
