When you get an unexpected gig…
When you go out to see a mate’s band, you don’t expect them to get you to go up on stage and do a turn. But that’s just what happened to me this evening at the Free Times Cafe. My dear friend Pelayo Matute was performing with his excellent a capella trio Kirsten Sandwich and since Pelayo has been such a mentsh and been to loads of my gigs I was very excited to be able to return the favour. However, because my dog Farfl had just been spayed three days ago I wasn’t sure...
Read MoreHoly cow – I’m in a movie!
Blimey charlie – it’s true! I landed a part in a movie of the week with Kelly Rowan – Kirsten Cohen from the OC! (My thirteen-year-old step-daughter will no doubt want an autograph.) I auditioned for it a few weeks ago and, to be honest, didn’t think it was going to come off, but today I got the call from my agent. I’m absolutely chuffed to bits. My role is a dreamy treat – a Brummie pikey! Finally I get to play my own accent. Jane is a hopeless alcoholic...
Read MoreWhy testing your material rocks
Would you rather get your ass kicked in front of a live audience or get constructive feedback from a group of your friendly peers? Whether it’s stand-up or an audition piece always consider giving it a go in front of your mates. I don’t do it often enough and every time I do I wonder why I don’t do it more. I go to an artists’ salon that my friend Inge (pictured left) runs out of her house each month – we share our stuff and get feedback. It can be anything –...
Read MoreMarilla who?
I am a British-born actress and stand-up comic who does lots of voice work (for commercials, cartoons and corporate clients) and sometimes, when I'm very lucky, tv and film. When I was in England I did mostly theatre. Now I'm in Canada I spend the majority of the time writing and performing stand-up. When I'm not making episodes of Talking Bollocks, that is. And that's me for you.