by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Culture shock and class consciousness were played for laughs on the Australian sitcom Flat Chat. It all began when snooty socialite Claire Jansen (Jean Kittson), left penniless after the death of her husband, was forced to move into the stables of her former mansion. Meanwhile, the main house was taken over by vulgar self-made millionaire Barry Coyne (Richard Healy) and his young trophy wife, Julie (Alexander Davies). Feeling neglected by her hubby, Julie struck up an acquaintance with the highborn Claire, and the two women became close friends, confidantes, and co-conspirators. Created by Alison Magney-Wall, the 13-episode Flat Chat was telecast by Australia's Nine Network from February 19 to May 15, 2001.
