What first drew you to becoming a stand up comedian?

I used to do impressions of Dave Allen formymum and dad when I was a kid, because he was their favourite comic. I’d sit there with a pretend glass of whiskey and a pretend cigarette talking about things I didn’t understand, like religion and newlyweds. I was delighted when the grown ups laughed, I thought I was telling the jokes really well, although nowI realise that they were probably laughing for different reasons.

Still, I figured a laugh’s a laugh – a philosophy I still cling to today.

Who are your comedy heroes?

Steve Martin. I love his stand-up and all his movies. When I was asked to take part in Celebrity Mastermind I didn’t hesitate for a moment over my specialist subject – I chose Steve and went on to win the quiz.

What makes you laugh?

My husband. He is a very big, serious looking man, but he goofs around for our children wearing his pants on his head and doing silly dances.

How do you balance been a mum with with your career?

Luckily my husband is an angel and my family are very supportive. I feel guilty about leaving the kids when I’m away doing gigs, but then I get to spend a lot more time with them during the day than most parents, so I consolemyself with that. Sometimes I get to put them to bed, then go out and do a gig, and get back before they wake up.

They don’t even know I’ve been out of the house – it’s like being a superhero or a comedy ninja.

What do you enjoy most appearing on radio, television or stage?

They’re all good but nothing is better than the adrenaline of a live performance. I’m sure I’d enjoy doing live TV but I never get the chance because they don’t really trust comedians not to swear. Radio is a lot of fun because it’s like TVwith less pressure.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a gig?

I was doing a gig early in mycareer in Manchester and the backdrop fell and hit me on the head. Thinking about it afterwards I realised I could have been killed, but at the time the audience found it hilarious so I laughed along through the pain.

Are you looking forward to your forthcoming Wales appearances?

It’s always a delight to cross the bridge into Wales.

I’ve had some ofmybest gigs in Wales at places like the Cardiff Glee Club, and it’s nice to be back doingmy own show. I also had one of the most terrifying experiences ofmylife in Wales. I was playing a little club in Swansea and booked into a B and B that only cost £10, which was cheap even at the time. It turned out that the B and B was run by the most drunk and dysfunctional family you’ve ever met. I got back tomyroom at about 11, and stayed up terrified all night as I listened to them have a raucous party downstairs.

They kept coming up and knocking onmydoor trying to persuade me to come down and join them. I jammed a chair under the door and left when they finally all fell into bed drunk at about 6am.

What are your plans after the tour?

I’m getting my new show ready for the Edinburgh festival in August. I love doing Edinburgh every year as it’s such a fun festival, and it forces me to generate new material.

  • LUCY PORTER plays Abergavenny Borough Theatre this evening, contact 01873 850805 for ticket details. Lucy will also visit Newport Riverfront on June 8 contact 01633 656679 for further information