The documentary "Becoming Victoria Wood" offers a deeply personal and humorous exploration of the life of trailblazing comedian Victoria Wood, capturing the challenges she faced at the start of her career. Early on, there’s a striking moment where archival footage reveals Melvyn Bragg referring to her as the first female stand-up comedian in Britain. While this claim is not entirely accurate, it’s hard to fathom that it wasn't until the 1980s that numerous women began to emerge in the world of comedy. In 1985, when Wood’s sketch series "As Seen on TV" debuted on BBC2, there were doubts about whether a woman—especially one from the North—could successfully lead a comedy program. How mistaken they were! The clips from the show featuring Wood, Julie Walters, and Celia Imrie are filled with infectious energy, as the trio teeters on the verge of laughter themselves.
For those who cherish Wood as a national treasure, this documentary will uncover new layers of her legacy. Her stand-up performances in the 1980s broke barriers with candid jokes about topics like tampons and cellulite, challenging societal norms. Wood’s upbringing was marked by loneliness; she often felt overlooked by her mother and struggled with insecurities about her appearance and weight. The cruel media attention on her size in later years was particularly harsh. Despite feeling inadequate in many ways, she possessed an unyielding ambition that seemed to arise from a deep well of inner strength.
Her ability to poke fun at herself in her routines showcased a warm-hearted humor that never turned mean-spirited; she instinctively championed the underdog. Maxine Peake, who rose to fame through Wood’s sitcom "Dinnerladies," noted that audiences felt represented by her humor. Wood once beautifully expressed this connection, saying, "We’re all in it together, but some of us are on the telly."
The film features interviews with notable friends like Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, along with university acquaintances who share their experiences with Wood. Additionally, snippets of Wood’s own voice, drawn from interviews before her passing from cancer in 2016 at the age of 62, add a layer of intimacy that is both poignant and endearing. This documentary not only honors her comedic brilliance but also paints a heartfelt picture of a woman who navigated personal struggles while leaving an indelible mark on British comedy.
