Where did you go?! Trans-diegetic address and formal innovation in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s television series Fleabag

Wilson, A

Abstract

The article examines formal innovation, authorship and representation within Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s television series Fleabag (2016–2019). Through close examination of the developed use of direct address within the programme, in particular two key moments of trans-diegetic address, the analysis considers how, contrary to ontological assumptions, the adaptation of the theatrical ‘aside’, when converted for screen, can function to support, strengthen, layer and enhance aspects of a narrative, as well as help build performer/audience connectivity through perceptions of intimacy, authenticity and female agency.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jul 18, 2022
• Publication Date: Jul 18, 2022
• Deposit Date: Sep 28, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 27, 2023
• Journal: Critical Studies in Television: The International Journal of Television Studies
• Print ISSN: 1749-6020
• Electronic ISSN: 1749-6039
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 415-435
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17496020221108923
• Keywords: Communication, Cultural Studies
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/17496020221108923