Performer: Harriet Kemsley       
Photograph by: Linda Barker
Show: Slutty Joan
Venue: Voodoo Rooms
Promoter: United Agents

Tell me about your Edinburgh show.

It’s about slut shaming which I have decided is a bad thing. It is Free – which means I will ask for money at the end. And It is my fourth show so let’s hope I’m getting better!

Tell me about your first gig.

I couldn’t speak to anyone for 24 hours before it as I was so nervous I just wandered round the Office where I worked talking to myself. Then after I got a few laughs I couldn’t sleep so turned up the next day at work an absolute mess and then a rumour went round that I had a drug problem.

Do you have any rituals before going on stage?

I used to have to wear the same thing, have my hair in the same way and drink the exact same drinks. That wore off.

Tell me about your best and worst review.

My reviews always have a little dig in there somewhere. One which was really lovely said ‘you really must stay to the end’.

During this Edinburgh run, do you plan to read reviews of your show?

NO WAY (probably)

How do you feel about reviewers generally?

Well they make me feel nervous as I hate to be judged, but who does right!

In April 2018, YouTube comedian, Markus Meechan (aka Count Dankula) was fined £800 for training his girlfriend’s pug dog to do a Nazi salute with its paw, in response to the phrase ‘Gas the Jews’. Do you believe Meechan committed a criminal offence, and why? 

Oh god, I don’t know. Why would you think I would know! I didn’t know Belgium was a Country till I was 23.

Are there any subjects that are not suitable for comedy?

I’ve never managed to make my fear of beheading funny.

Have you ever gone too far?

My shows called Slutty Joan what do you think?

Looking back over your time as a comedian, tell me about the best gig of your career.

It’s hard to pick. I just really love to be involved.