What do your parents/children (delete as applicable) think of your job?
They’re more interested this year as my Edinburgh show is about our family tree. This is the first year they’ve wanted to see me do stand-up. I’m going to have to give a talk at a genealogy society – film that – and pretend it’s my actual show.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
The workers benefits.
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’m doing okay. I have my health, a husband, 2 cats and a job I love – you can’t ask for much more than that, (except maybe a pension?).
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I earn just enough not to give up. I’d like to earn enough that I can take my husband on holiday.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
My biggest breaks have come when something awful has happened. Once I was paid by a promoter not to go onstage because we’d had a disagreement before the gig. It was an 8 hour round trip and an hour to wait for the next train home. I put a message online and the next day a better promoter called me and gave me advice for 40 minutes about how to move my career on. I’m still living by his words, and that wouldn’t have happened without the set-back.
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 think I’m driven by a shame engine. I work very hard every day to feel good about myself or else the shame monster takes over. Blame the Baptist upbringing.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
There’s an ex-prison officer in Michigan who was best man at my wedding. He’s a great guy. I used to be an amateur escape artist and he’d bring things for me to try out. It seemed fitting to have him there while tying the knot.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not?
Some drawers, yes. Kitchen drawers are immaculate: all the tea spoons lie in the same direction. I’m the only one allowed to put dry clothes away because husband wilfully puts t-shirts in the cupboard folded incorrectly.
However, my stationery and “useful” drawers (keys/ travel adapters) are a mess. If anyone knows how to store sunglasses cases and printer cartridges please let me know, it’s upsetting.
