Gavin and Stacey - Representation of Region

 Throughout Gavin and Stacey there is a constant juxtaposition of Wales and Essex. As an audience we see the similarities of the people and the differences of these people and see how each react when they are placed in the same situations.  

 

It is clear that the main difference between the two families is wealth. In every situation possible Gwen is always offering an omelette showing that they are a family that make simple food and that this is the type of meal that uses all the left over items within the house whereas, Pam is so concerned with how others see her she constantly cooks up a banquette of food and even claims to be a vegetarian to ensure that people do not think they are forgotten about. Another huge difference is the difference in class, in Wales they are living in a two up two down terrace house whereas in Essex they are living in a detached house with many front rooms, their own bar as well as a garage and drive. In addition to this the fact that Pam and Mick are always talking about the golf club shows their social life is of a higher class whereas Bryn knows everyone down the street rather than conversing as social events.  

 

However there are many similarities between the two families as they may be living different lives but they all have the same values. No matter how much Gwen and Pam argue and are prejudice about where the other lives Bryn shows that non of that matters and what really matters is the fact that Gavin and Stacey are happy and that they will all be proud to be connected and one big family through these two people. In addition to this the fact that sitcoms tackle hard hitting topics is also shown within the two families; this is shown when Bryn is persistent in Stacey taking a rape alarm with her through fear of the outside and fear of what may be beyond Wales. It is also shown by Pam as she is concerned that Gavin may be beating Stacey due to her wearing sun glasses. This shows that both families have their own problems and assumptions highlighting the difficulties of everyday life. Another similarity of the two is when Mick tells Bryn that he has never met anyone that can speak Welsh and Bryn updates him that no one he knows can even speak it showing that even though they live far apart they arent so different and experience the same things.  

 

The ways in which Wales and Essex are represented in Gavin and Stacey conform to the functions of sitcom as it shows that in Britain today we are all living different lives but share similar values as well as showing the differences in the class of people and what it really does mean to be British showing that Gavin and Stacey may be a modern sitcom but will always conform to traditional ways of sitcom.