The comic and podcaster on her pre-show rituals, the worst advice she’s been given and why routines about serious issues still need to make you laugh
How did you get into comedy?
I was a chronically shy young person who loved any kind of comedy. I used to write funny stories and sketches for my mum. From the age of about 13 she would tell me I should do standup. Years later I saw an advert for a comedy course starting in the area of Manchester that I’m from. It was part of Labour’s New Deal. I phoned up, joined and did my first gig before the 12-week course ended. I loved it. My mum was right. Standup has made me more confident than I used to be, but I still struggle with shyness. It’s just that nobody believes me now.
What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out?
How many things I would miss out on because I’d be gigging at weekends. I have missed birthdays, legendary nights out, holidays … You have to decline so many potentially fun things with your mates that eventually they stop asking because they assume you’ll be busy. At least that’s why I think they’ve stopped calling. Oh, I’ve made this awkward.
