Interview by: Konrad Obiora
Picture: Courtesy of Maureen Younger
What made you decide to enter the New Act of the Year competition?
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since starting stand up. It’s got a great reputation as far as competitions go.
How did you prepare for the New Act of the Year auditions?
Just fine honing the set and trying to make sure it really was just 5 minutes long.
What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist and what did you do to celebrate?
I was in a bar in Camden lounging on a bed having a hot chocolate with mates at the time! I wasn’t sure I’d heard right because my phone was playing up at the time and my heat had only been the day before.
How did you get started in comedy?
Through acting and doing sketches in café theatre years ago when I lived in Paris.
As for stand up, a friend kept saying she thought I’d be good at it, so I finally did a short course at the actors centre and then just started gigging.
Who were/are your comedy influences?
I don’t think I’ve modelled myself on anyone in particular, but the background to my humour is my London Scottish background combined with growing up in the inner city in London.
How long have you been doing comedy/stand-up?
I’ve been doing stand up for a couple of years now.
How would you best describe your act?
It's anecdotal and observational. I've been told by others that it's frank, fast, feisty, sharp, engaging, honest humour with attitude but as comedy is so subjective it's probably best to let the audience decide for itself.
What have you discovered about life as a comedian that nobody ever told?
It seems it's obligatory to have a notebook with you at all times and when you’re performing never to buy a drink but to always ask for a glass of water with ice at the bar.
What sagely advice would you give to aspiring and new comedians interested in getting into the funny business?
Be true to you and just gig as often as you can.
The finals of the New Act of the Year 2007 competition takes place on Sunday 4 March. Visit the Hackney Empire website for details.
Picture: Courtesy of Maureen Younger
What made you decide to enter the New Act of the Year competition?
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since starting stand up. It’s got a great reputation as far as competitions go.
How did you prepare for the New Act of the Year auditions?
Just fine honing the set and trying to make sure it really was just 5 minutes long.
What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist and what did you do to celebrate?
I was in a bar in Camden lounging on a bed having a hot chocolate with mates at the time! I wasn’t sure I’d heard right because my phone was playing up at the time and my heat had only been the day before.
How did you get started in comedy?
Through acting and doing sketches in café theatre years ago when I lived in Paris.
As for stand up, a friend kept saying she thought I’d be good at it, so I finally did a short course at the actors centre and then just started gigging.
Who were/are your comedy influences?
I don’t think I’ve modelled myself on anyone in particular, but the background to my humour is my London Scottish background combined with growing up in the inner city in London.
How long have you been doing comedy/stand-up?
I’ve been doing stand up for a couple of years now.
How would you best describe your act?
It's anecdotal and observational. I've been told by others that it's frank, fast, feisty, sharp, engaging, honest humour with attitude but as comedy is so subjective it's probably best to let the audience decide for itself.
What have you discovered about life as a comedian that nobody ever told?
It seems it's obligatory to have a notebook with you at all times and when you’re performing never to buy a drink but to always ask for a glass of water with ice at the bar.
What sagely advice would you give to aspiring and new comedians interested in getting into the funny business?
Be true to you and just gig as often as you can.
The finals of the New Act of the Year 2007 competition takes place on Sunday 4 March. Visit the Hackney Empire website for details.
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