Can you live a happy and fulfilled life without releasing a sex tape like everybody else? Eleanor Tiernan has had a bash and reveals the results in her new stand-up show about fitting into the modern world. She's sharp and funny and there's plenty of muscle under the surface too. Expect a combination of the personal, the political and lots of laughs. 

Eleanor Tiernan: Success Without a Sex Tape is at the Banshee Labyrinth from August 6 - 26. Details 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)?

Peer out from behind the curtains to study the faces of the crowd. They won't see me doing it but I'll be there making all sorts of judgements based on class, race, gender, age. It's all with a view to predicting how my jokes will go down. 

2. What irritates you?

The layer of foil between the lid and the butter. It doesnt seem to be for anything. But we still seem to hold on. Can we all agree it needs to go? 

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

 

Driven a car through a storm with no window on the drivers side.

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

 

Tried going back to an office job after five years in comedy. 

 

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

 

I used to see extremely funny people and wonder why I didnt see them on TV all the time. It took a while to realise that being high octane funny is not a one way ticket to fame and fortune. You need to have a whole other skillset of organisation and people skills to be able sustain a proper comic's life. Also being a nice person helps.

 

Interview continues here.