Rachel Parris is a comedian on the cusp. In the last few years she has started cropping up regularly on television and I expect she will be cropping up even more in the future. She was in The IT Crowd and Revolting. She was also in Murder In Successville. Or you may know her from the Game Of Thrones spin-off, Thronecast (update 2018 - she is now in The Mash Report). The versatile performer is also part of stage improvisation group Austentatious. You want songs, stories and jokes? Rachel Parris' tour dates are 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)?

Repeat a mantra to myself like "You got this, grrrl" or "You're not an inherently bad person" or "Do it for Sandi Toksvig".

2. What irritates you? 

People who can't apologise and people who refuse to move down the tube carriage at rush hour. People who refuse to move down the tube and won't even apologise for it. 

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

It’s usually to do with climbing up big rocks on a mountain or jumping off big rocks into the sea. Rocks. 

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

Moved to London suddenly with no savings, no job and about £150 in the bank. Stupidest, and best decision I ever made.

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

How fast I can talk when I’m nervous. Also how up and down it continues to be – no matter how good a run you’ve had, just one gig can still floor you and make you feel like a total beginner.

Interview continues here.