Katherine Lucy Bridget Burke ( born 13 June 1964 ) is an English actress , comedian , writer , producer , and director . She achieved fame with her appearances on sketch shows such as '' French and Saunders '' ( 1988 – 99 ) and her recurring role as Magda on the BBC sitcom '' Absolutely Fabulous '' ( 1992 – 96 ) , as well as her frequent collaborations with fellow comedian Harry Enfield . For her portrayal of Valerie in the 1997 film '' Nil by Mouth '' , she won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Cannes Film Festival
1997 Cannes Film Festival
Kathy Burke