Why did you start doing comedy?
I wanted to write funny material, and the only real way into it seemed to be getting on a stage. Well, “stage” is a strong word – standing in a section of a pub at an open mic night and trying to say some funny things.
What has been one of your all-time favourite gigs?
Once a gig cancelled the day before and still paid me the full fee. That was wonderful.
What inspired your last show, Feral?
I had a lot of wild stories from my life, so I thought: what am I going to do, keep these to myself and just tell jokes about self-service checkouts? I might as well start mining the madness for comedy. To me, exploring the flaws of the human condition is the heart of what comedy is all about. It’s not just about making people laugh, it’s about helping them feel less alone.
What’s the most feral thing you’ve ever done?
Cheeky! I’m not giving you that for free.
Can you recall a gig so bad, it’s now funny?
The ones that stick in my head are the open mic gigs that you would turn up to and realise they were barely gigs. It was just a microphone in a bar of people going about their night, who haven’t agreed to comedy. You’re so new, you don’t know better to walk away so I’d just be shouting unhoned comedy about my trauma over Sky Sports.
Any preshow rituals?
I’ve got a lot more Zen now, but I used to get so nervous I didn’t even want to be in the building beforehand. My ideal way to start the gig would have been to walk from my car through the door and straight on to the stage so I didn’t have time to realise where I was or what I was doing. I’m a lot more chill to be around now and I’ve learned you can’t really do that because the organisers worry you aren’t going to turn up.
Who inspires you?
Jane McDonald. I honestly don’t know what there isn’t to love about her. She’s talented, humble and hilarious and her cover of Cake By the Ocean has become a cultural moment. She’s undoubtedly moving into national treasure/gay icon status because she’s just class.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
If they’re bigger than you, go for the eyes.
Who is your comedy hero?
Sarah Silverman. I watched her when I was 17 and since then my fate was sealed as wanting to work in comedy. She can tap into the nuance of human behaviour in a way I find amazing, and she seems like a lovely lass.
Best heckle?
I’m sure some good ones will arise eventually, but I was surprised myself at how most of the heckles end up being a well-meaning person who is just excited to be out of the house or a person so mortal drunk you can’t understand what they are saying anyway.
What are you most excited about right now?
Sounds a bit cringe but I feel the most creative I have in years so I’m excited to make stuff again. I think if you’re from a working-class background especially comedy can become a grind where your creative stores get cauterised in the attempt to keep yourself afloat so feeling creative again is a lush feeling.
Louise Young: Feral is on tour until 15 May
