Kirsty Mann and Jen Wakefield are two rising stars in British comedy. William Gadsby Peet chats to the dynamic duo ahead of their performance at the Guilford Fringe
- What got you both in to comedy?
Kirsty: A dare. I was doing a singing gig with some friends in Australia and we got talking about our new years resolutions. Naturally, mine was to get better at Instagram. My friend suggested I change it to five minutes of stand up with her. So I agreed, we booked in a date at an open mic night, and she chickened out. But I did it alone, it went really well and I kept doing it!
Jen: I used to be a teacher and would do impressions of the funny, sweet and silly things that children, parents and others would say and I think I just enjoyed making people laugh. I left that job in 2015 to pursue all the things I wanted to do so I wouldn't die with any doubts. It’s been going really well since so I haven’t looked back!
- What inspired the two of you to team up?
Kirsty: We met while writing at the Soho Theatre as part of their Young Company. I had the offer of an hour in Edinburgh by then and thought Jen was so brilliant so I pounced on her. Jen and I both have the same taste in silliness and musical comedy.
- What can we look forward to from the show?
Jen: You can look forward to some excellent character comedy – we’ll introduce you to Pearl Harbour, London’s most unlucky-in-love wannabe IT girl – and some fantastic musical comedy. If you’ve ever stalked your ex, listened to Drake, declared your hatred for One Direction whilst somehow knowing all the lyrics, or joined a WhatsApp group, you’ll love our show.
- Favourite female comedians?
Kirsty: Sue Perkins, Victoria Wood.
Jen: Luisa Omeilan, Rose Matafeo.
- Who would win in a dance-off?
Kirsty: No contest: Jen. That girl got rhythm. She actually throws some mini shapes during her set – come along and you’ll see what I mean!
Kirsty Mann and Jen Wakefield perform at the The Keep Pub on July 16. For more information and to book tickets (£7), visit: guildfordfringefestival.com
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