EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - The Calman Before The Storm

It's my tenth year of performing at the Fringe and the show is about what expectations the audience might have as opposed to what I'm really like. It's definitely the funniest, most confident hour I've ever written and I'm so looking to getting to the Fringe and letting people see it!

Your press release contains a seriously impressive list of awards - is that ever hard to live up to?

Awards are lovely to have but they don't mean a lot when you're in front of an audience. And I suspect people don't book to see me on the basis of my Writers' Guild award, although they should. I'm really proud of that one!

What have you been up to since last year's festival?

I haven't been at the Fringe singe 2014 actually so I've done a lot. My radio 4 sitcom was broadcast and recommissioned. It stars Ashely Jensen and Nick Helm and is a joy to write. I've hosted a new CBBC quiz show, appeared on QI and Pointless Celebrities. The third of my stand up series was broadcast on Radio 4 and I've carried on appearing in shows like ISIHAC, the News Quiz, Just a Minute and The Unbelievable Truth. Oh, and I wrote a book called "Cheer Up Love: Adventures in Depression with the Crab of Hate". It's about my depression. It's very funny as well!

Who would you recommend The Calman Before The Storm to?
I have three criteria; 1) You have to be over 16 2) You mustn't be too drunk or it will annoy me and everyone else and 3) Know what I do or at the very least have an open mind. If you hate me don't waste your money.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

Sarah Kendell, Mr Swallow, Sofie Hagen and Felicity Ward are top of my list.