The Change

The Change is a tender, curious, hilarious treasure: a rare and special specimen that must be protected like the last mushroom of its kind in the forest.

A “sitcom about the menopause” might turn some people off, but they’d be missing one of the most vital, brilliant British comedies in years. This is not just for us overheating women, it makes room for everyone curious to look at things in a different way.

The Change remains one of those stubbornly eccentric TV curios that should be cherished.

These six episodes feel more comfortable in their own skin than the first run. The Change no longer seems to be apologising for burying its feet in the soil and communing with birds.

The Change is a funny show with a simple premise, which works mostly because of Bridget Christie’s winning performance.

The Change strides purposefully towards its culmination, in a revamped, gender-balanced version of the village’s annual festival. Linda features centrally in this, of course, in a series of sensational outfits (we’re calling it Sheela-na-gig chic), while delivering speeches on the stages of womanhood that are genuinely affecting.

Christie is on fine form as a woman reclaiming her life. .... Christie has described the show as “Shirley Valentine meets Deliverance” and while Linda’s home life is done well – Liza Tarbuck is reliably good as her domineering sister – the Deliverance bit is the problem.