I first spotted Kerry Godliman over a decade ago when she was in a short-lived Evening Standard-sponsored comedy competition. Greg Davies - whatever happened to him? – won, but I was impressed by Godliman’s cheery, accessible everywoman brand of feminism. She had a particularly good gag about anti-gravity face cream. If it was so gravity-defying why wasn’t it floating above the cosmetics counter? More recently she has become best known as Hannah, the sympathetic manager in Derek. She is still doing stand-up and combining it with some very interesting screen work. Find Kerry Godliman's tour dates here.

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth )?

I remember one year at Edinburgh festival peeping through the curtain before every show and silently thanking the audience for choosing to come and see me.  It took some of the nerves off.

2. What irritates you?

Apart from greed, narcissism, bigotry and global warming, I get very irritated by blunt colouring pencils or felt tip pens that have run out. It’s total laziness. Especially if they’ve been provided by a pub or café to keep kids occupied. It’s a hollow, token gesture with no substance or regard for the genuine burden of parenting in a pub. They might as well stick two fingers up in your face.  

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

Probably driving a car.

Or eating shellfish? I don’t go in for bungee jumps and the like.  Wilful anxiety doesn’t appeal to me.

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

I was pissed for a lot of my twenties. That’s seems stupid.

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

How thoroughly lovely most comedians are.  

Interview continues here.