Acclaimed American stand-up Jen Kirkman is coming back to the UK. On her 2016 visit she had a bit of Twitter whinge about Guardian critic Brian Logan after he was luke warm about her show and suggested that she lacked self-awareness. I saw the same show a few days later and she seemed pretty self-aware by then. Let's see what he thinks of her new show. For a change for a US visitor it’s not all about American politics – serial neurotic Kirkman is more interested in talking about herself, what it is like to be in one's early forties and her relationship with a millennial who think she’s not “woke” enough. There will probably be something about Donald Trump as well though. You can hardly be American and not have an opinion about him. In fact you can hardly be a sentient being and not have an opinion about him. 

Jen Kirkman will be doing her All New Material Girl show at Leicester Square Theatre on June 22. Buy tickets 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)?

It’s really boring.  I’m standing backstage holding my phone abuot to hit record on my Instagram stories so I can come out on stage and record that moment.  I do a sort of tour diary when I do gigs and try to record moments that people who don’t ever stand backstage might enjoy.

2. What irritates you?

a) People who shame people who are bitching about things that irritate them and interrupt to say, “First world problem…” It’s so boring.

b) Too much chit chat in customer service – this is an American problem (except for NYC) – lots of mindless “How’s your day going so far?” I’ve been asked that at five am.  Or “Any big plans for [insert some terrible nationalistic holiday involving fireworks]?” I always say “No” and people get disappointed and keep asking me what I do for fun.

c) Having strangers, when finding out I’m a comedian, ask me what comedians I like – they won’t know them.  Or they quote comedians to me who I hate. 

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

I would never tell the truth because it was dangerous and stupid and not legal and I’m ashamed.

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

I sent my friend a mean email about someone.  But I didn’t send it to my friend.  Because that someone was on my mind – I accidentally sent the email to her. 

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

I kind of stopped being surprised because I think having expectations about something that’s so unpredictable is a rookie game.  I’m still surprised that I get on stage for money – especially in other countries. It’s a miracle to me. 

Interview continues here.