If Suzi Ruffell isn't the next big thing she flipping well ought to be. She has become one of the star attractions on the live circuit in recent years and has supported the likes of Josh Widdicombe, Romesh Ranganathan and Alan Carr (read below about how she got too merry with Alan Carr one night) on tour. Her last show Keeping It Classy tells the story of how she moved from her working class family in Portsmouth to more middle class circles in London. It's a colourful, compelling tale told with verve and vigour. There is a hint of Lee Evans in her high energy performance but she doesn't sweat nearly as much, which should keep the laundry bills down. I should imagine she will be able to pay big laundry bills soon though.
Live dates 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)?
Jump up and down on the spot like an idiot.
2. What irritates you?
People and things being unfair, inequality, people failing to appreciate how beautiful my cat is. Also my dad is munching crisps quite loudly as I type this, so that's certainly up there.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Once my best friend and I were on the run from the cops, we were driving, we got to the edge of the Grand Canyon and rather than spend our lives in jail we decided to keep going and drove the car off a cliff.
Oh wait, no, that wasn’t me, thats the end of Thelma and Louise.
I am scared of most things so I rarely do anything dangerous, embarking on a career with no security, no pension and have no back up plan, will probs be fine though, right?
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Bruce, you were there! I forgot I had a gig, I went for dinner with Alan Carr (get out your Dyson, I seem to have dropped a name) had a lot to drink, well loads, then got a call about the gig, so turned up to the show completely hammered and made an utter fool of myself. I had anxiety dreams about it for about 2 years and it still gives me a shame shudder. On the upside I did manage to get a great routine out of it, every cloud and all that.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How much fun it is. I still feel super lucky I make a living out of making people laugh.
Interview continues here.
