Big Girl's Blouse is an Australian skit program that aired in the mid-1990s on the Seven Network. The show was created by Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Magda Szubanski who all went on to star in Kath & Kim. There were four one-hour episodes, plus the pilot, which are usually shown as eight half-hour episodes. The phrase "Big Girl's Blouse" is a British English idiom meaning "ineffectual or weak, someone failing to show masculine strength or determination". In Australia The Comedy Channel currently airs the series as part of their Aussie Gold block hosted by Frank Woodley. In America it occasionally appears on the Sundance Channel. The show has been released in its entirety by Shock DVD in Australia.
Episode 1
Oct 13, 1994
Sketches include a visit with "Kath & Kim" as Kim breaks the news that she is engaged; a glimpse of a 1960s educational sex film and a look inside the editorial offices of a gossipy tabloid that is about to publish an exposé about Kylie Minogue.
Episode 2
We are two episodes through the first series of Big Girl's Blouse. This episode, we get introduced to Patti, who teaches all about family planning. Then Claire, Jodie and Anna get in a pickle when Claire blabs a false rumor about Kylie Minogue expecting a child. We also catch up with 3 nuns, Mother Gary Mechtilde, Sister Gary Therese and Sister Gary Johanna, who worship quite a different god - Gary Sweet to be exact.
Episode 3
This episode features a 1960s-era instructional film about party etiquette and the temptations of alcohol and cigarettes; a slumber party where girls take a magazine quiz about the royals and a sensational tabloid in which the publisher inquires about a new angle on Camilla Parker Bowles.
Episode 4
In 'Life in the 60s' (estimated title), Patti introduces us to the joys of smoking. It turns out everyone is doing it. Kim's wedding plans start to go haywire, as she finds out she cant wear baby's breath in her hairpiece, and is about to call the whole thing off. Another hectic day at Big Girls Blouse magazine. Clare decides that they need more things than just Camilla Parker Bowles, you know, Camilla Who is she?, Camilla Gorilla.....
Episode 5
The girls are busy planning sketches for their upcoming show. Jane wants to imitate John Travolta off Saturday Night Fever, but Gina and Magda hate the idea. They play a game in the dark, which turns out to be a bit of an insult to Gina and Magda. Meanwhile Margaret Bland takes us through her favourite dances. Kath and Sharon hold a surprise Wedding Shower for Kim. She is given a pair of bathroom Scales by Kath, and a potato peeler by Sharon. She is disgusted by Sharon, but not even a cruise will make her feel better.
Episode 6
Let's start with Big Girls Blouse Industries for a change. Poor Jodie's father has passed away, but Claire wont have her leave for his funeral. She is also very annoyed that the funeral cant be moved to the weekend! The episode ends with a bit of a song from the boy band!
Episode 7
Finding inspiration from the Woman's Liberation movement, Patty burns her bra and joins a lesbian supportist group. Meanwhile, after playing touch footy, Sharon is running horribly late for Kim's wedding. The Australian team is doing well at the 1995 Gay Olympics, while Coralee Hollow auditions Marina Prior for a role in her new musical "Dances With Dingoes".
Episode 8
Sep 4, 1995
It's the final episode of Big Girls Blouse, and the girls are forced to leave home to enter into contract negotiations. Meanwhile Kim and Brett are forced to move their wedding reception to Kath's house, and things are getting out of hand. In London, the Dumb Street girls try their hand at a panto based on a Chekhov play. And at the office, Carmel comiserates when Lynne's son-in-law forgets to buy her two dollar scratchie.
Big Girl's Special
Sketches include a profile of Anita Bonning, the world's laziest model. A musical tribute to the whacky, crazy Funny Lady who goes on the run after shooting her lover. Behind the scenes at Bananas In Pyjamas and Patti gives up to date 1960s tips on courtesy.
