Jenny Eclair is getting some of the best reviews of her career for her latest show, How To Be A Middle-Aged Woman (Without Going Insane). Website London is Funny said: “The show is so brilliantly written, packed with so many jokes and performed with such gusto, it makes for a genuinely refreshing 90 minutes.” Which is the sort of review that ought to make the first female solo winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's Perrier Comedy Award content. But have a read of this revealing interview below. Eclair doesn’t sound very contented, but that is good news for her fans as it seems to be discontent – and a dash of spite and some neediness – that drives her on. Eclair, who also helped to develop the hit Grumpy Old Women show, is currently touring the country and plays the Royal Festival Hall on November 21. Buy a ticket here and cheer her up. Though hopefully not too much….
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 have this ritual which involves tugging my left ear lobe with my left hand, it's meant to be lucky but once on a particularly long tour I developed a wart behind my ear - so now I wash my hands and then give my ear a tug.
2. What irritates you?
A nylon gusset - hahaha.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Develop high blood pressure due to sloth and hysteria, I'm on medication plus tapestry and painting to calm me down.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
When I was little I touched an electric bar fire with a poker and got a massive electric shock which I remember thinking was rather exciting. I've also done quite a lot of reality tv, I've eaten kangaroo anus, which in my opinion is a lot more moist than turkey and therefor a delicious Xmas alternative and I did the diving one which left me with third degree bruising of the thighs.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How many jokes there are, that after all these years comics are still finding new ways to be funny, comedy is like a tap that can't be turned off.
Interview continues here.
