Out of Her Mind: Sara Pascoe’s sitcom has a cynicism that wears thin

The comedian’s new BBC show follows other confessionals like ‘Fleabag’ and ‘I Hate Suzie’, but it isn’t entertaining because you don’t see yourself in it, says Charlotte Cripps

Sara Pascoe stars in her own BBC sitcom ‘Out of Her Mind’ playing a deranged version of herself (BBC)

Sara Pascoe announces right at the start of her new sitcom what her intentions are: “I’m going to destroy your faith in love.” The six-part comedy, which started on Tuesday on BBC Two, might be playfully light-hearted – but it’s also seething with resentment. 

With a best friend who is pregnant and a sister who’s getting married, the needy, single Sara (Pascoe plays a deranged version of herself) actively tries to ruin any chance of happiness they might have. In one scene, her mum suggests she throws a baby shower for her pregnant friend (played by Cariad Lloyd, Pascoe’s real-life best friend). “The only throwing I’ll be doing is up,” says Sara, as she makes a vomiting noise. I can’t say I laughed much – and I watched all six episodes.  

It’s not that I don’t understand her character’s struggles. I remember what it felt like to have friends announcing they were pregnant when I wasn’t – it was like a stab in my heart – or when they got hitched and I found myself pushed out. I also have a dysfunctional family and I’m now single – like Sara – but Pascoe’s sitcom is too over the top. Call me sentimental, but why does she feel the need to convince everybody else that love isn’t real?