This spring, it’s all about the love, as the eponymous comedian heads off on a one-woman tour. Here she tells Deana Luchia about parenting, performing and more...
What’s your favourite part of being on tour?
Meeting people who are coming to see me. Being in a room together – there’s a level of intimacy that is really different from when you’re on screen. I also love travelling around the UK. We’ve got a beautiful landscape, amazing people and a culture unlike any other.
What’s your ideal day off?
A headscarf, a blanket on the sofa in a clean and uncluttered house, catching up on a nice comedy series or rom-com. I’ve been able to cook something, and my kids [she has a daughter, 20, and a son,16] come home and are just around. That, for me, is everything.
Were you funny growing up?
My school reports talked about me being a class clown. I was, but I was trying to distract from the fact that I didn’t understand some of the work, which I found out later was because I was dyslexic. But being a teenager and in my early 20s, that was always one of the things that came up: “You make me laugh.” It was always there.
Who were your comedy heroes growing up?
It would have to be Whoopi Goldberg. I first saw her in a film and thought, wow, this woman looks like me. And Robin Williams. I used to watch Mork & Mindy and be like, is he human? The level of complexity in his performances was insane.
Judi Love
Are you a funny parent?
We have a lot of laughs. But when you are a single mum, especially with boys, there’s also a level of sternness from my culture that I feel has to be in place. You’re not just fighting them on attitude; you’re fighting the internet, grooming, and gangs. I take accountability when maybe I’ve made the wrong choice, and I apologise if I’ve got upset too quickly or didn’t listen, but I need my kids to feel: “I don’t want to upset my mum.” Thank me when you’re older.
You used to be a social worker. Do you ever miss it?
Social workers have one of the hardest jobs. You are basically managing the lives of people in crisis, and you’re doing so within ethical, legal, and time-limit boundaries. Social workers need to be recognised so much more. I loved the job that I did [in mental health], but I got to a stage where I felt like I could still be a social worker, but in a different way, through comedy. That’s how I see it now.
Which of the panels you’ve been on is the most fun?
It’s hard because they’re all so different. I’ve just been announced as one of the regulars on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. It’s great to be on there as a British black Jamaican-descendant woman, and one with the neurodiversity of dyslexia. On Last One Laughing, I was with 10-12 comedians who were right at the top of their game. So to be picked to be in that was really beautiful.
What was the last comedy series that made you laugh?
Amandaland is great. And there’s an American one called Insecure.
Would you rather have more laughter, love, money or sex?
Sex! No, love is what I would want, in all seriousness. But sex is something I definitely want more of. As women, we deny ourselves great sex. We’re always seen as the ones who are supposed to be pleasing more than being pleased. And I think now that I’m 45, I understand my body more and I know what I want.
Are you dating now?
I am classified as single. Put that out there. Thank you.
What’s next for you?
I’m in a Rebel Wilson film, Girl Group, coming out later this year. Let me tell you something about Rebel Wilson. This queen wrote, directed, produced and acted in this film. It’s outstanding what she’s done. And I was blessed to have a part in it. Also, after my tour ends, I want to do a PhD in psychotherapy.
Judi Love: All About the Love will be at The Swan in High Wycombe on March 6 and GLive Guildford on April 8. Visit: judilove.co.uk & offthekerb.com
