Anna Mann is not really a comedian. She is a veritable artiste who has been in showbusiness for almost as long as Joan Collins. She has recently branched out while she waits for her next big acting job and is offering advice to anyone suffering from black dog in her latest soiree, A Sketch Show For Depressives. Mann is helped in her quest by chameleon character comic Colin Hoult, who you should know from Revolting and Murder In Successville. Have you twigged yet? What I'm saying is that Anna Mann is the creation/alter ego of the brilliant Colin Hoult and is bloody funny as well as a bit scary. Can I make myself any clearer? 

Colin Hoult/Anna Mann: A Sketch Show For Depressives is at the Soho Theatre from March 13 - 15. Tickets and info 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 say a little prayer to the Gods of theatre, I rehearse my Oscar speech thanking everyone who has got me to this point and I scoff a bar of Kendal mint cake. Difficult to get the energy up these days.

2. What irritates you?

Racism. Sexism. Thrush.

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

Oh gosh, not easy to answer that one. Probably when I went method while playing a vampire in the infamous staking scene at the end of Hammer's infamous 'Dracula's Slag'. Luckily the stake was rubber and I escaped with only minor bruising and a threat I'd never work again.

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

Oh gosh, probably lying in an audition that I was a trained matador.

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

That I have a career. We really are blessed. Like saints.

Interview continues here.