6. What do your parents think of your job?
My parents think it’s brilliant. But mainly cos I am on Radio 4 a lot so they can say “She was on Radio 4!” and send a link which has the words BBC and Pippa Evans on the same webpage to friends who have asked if I have had children. “No - but she is on radio 4!”
If I was simply, solidly gigging, I know they’d find it hard to think that is also a mark of success in our world. SNOBS! Don’t worry, they won’t read this. BECAUSE IT’S NOT A BROADSHEET.
7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Hmmmm, the neediness? The fact you can swing from top of the world to shit on someone’s shoe in one gig. My dependency on clapping is very high. After Edinburgh, 3 rounds of applause at least a day, I actually have applause withdrawal. My husband claps at me in the kitchen throughout September to perk me up.
8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
I think I am very good at what I do too. And sometimes I get frustrated because what I do doesn’t necessarily translate into mediums that make the money or get your face on telly so you can do good touring and that. Funny songs don’t make for good panel show answers.
Ian Hislop: Pippa, what do you think?
Pippa: Well... *band strikes up*
Satire! Satire! That's what sets my heart on fire!
Trump or May will never tire
Of good old fashioned.... British...... Satire!
Paul Merton: Is the answer 'cabbages'?
9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I can pay the bills but I would like to earn enough to fly First Class everywhere. Or to at least choose not to fly First Class, rather than staring painfully at the ticket prices whilst clicking economy-economy.
10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Hmmm - if I hadn’t done that Slapstick Festival gig with Jack Dee, I wouldn’t have got on I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue. Lucky! But if I’d been crap at that gig, Jack wouldn’t have asked me. Solid work!
So I reckon it’s do the work, keep going when you feel like it’s all a load of bollocks and be ready if and when the luck decides to strike.
11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?
I am a golfer with a tendency to mope. But I never mope for long. We are told you have to have an alcohol problem or fuck anything that moves to be a true artist. So being in a stable relationship and having a family who I get along with sometimes feels WRONG. As a child I hated that my parents weren’t divorced because it was so dull having a happy family life. What a dick.
12. Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
What people are there other than those 3 categories? Politicians? Can I have Oprah? or Meryl? I find Will Self kind of amusing in his bleakness. Also he lives near me and this might help me break the ice. OBAMA, obviously. Brian Conley is my go-to for this kind of question. OK, I’ll take Ringo. Delia? NO! The Dalai Lama. I once saw him get on a train at Manchester station. Surreal.
13. Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
No. They are a right old mess. I know what is in them though. That’s all you need.
