Diane Morgan has cemented her status as one of Britain's finest comedic actresses with her latest BBC creation, 'Ann Droid'. The six-episode series, which she created, produced, and starred in as the titular robot Linda, has drawn 4.6 million viewers across seven days, making it the highest-rated show after the World Cup.
A Unique Challenge
In 'Ann Droid', Linda moves into the home of Sue!Sue!Sue! (Sue Johnston), a grieving widow whose son Michael (Paul Ready) has returned with his wife. Morgan took on the difficult task of playing an inanimate being, admitting it was 'really difficult' to portray a humanoid without emotion yet still serve as the show's heart.
Her performance relied on physical comedy and impeccable timing, using a frozen face, wandering gaze, and awkward body movements to deliver laugh-out-loud moments. The precise tilt of her head and candid declarations about human affairs were wonderfully executed, showcasing her ability to make a robot believably hilarious.
Audience and Critical Acclaim
The show's success is evident, outpacing the previous BBC comedy breakout 'Small Prophets', which was renewed for a second season. This suggests that audiences may see more of Linda and Sue!Sue!Sue! in the future.
Morgan's talent for turning absurd premises into ratings hits has placed her in the upper echelons of British comedy, alongside legends like French & Saunders. Her work in 'Motherland', 'Philomena Cunk', and 'Mandy' has already showcased her range, but 'Ann Droid' confirms her genius.
'Ann Droid' is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
