Interview with Harriet Braine
CB: How long have you been gigging in comedy?
LL: I have been gigging in comedy as a professional now since 2006 and have to say its’s been a throughly enjoyable experience. It really is a fantastic job and a pleasure to bring so much joy to people
CB: How would you describe your comedy?
LL: I would describe my comedy as very contemporary. It’s ultimately is a combination of satire, social commentary, story selling, and animation! my stand covers a wide range of topics!
CB: Which comedians influence your comedy?
LL: The comedians that influence my comedy I have to say are legendary Comedians such as Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, Chris Rock, Bill Hicks, Richard Pryor, and Gene wilder. All these great comedy icons have made such a brilliant contribution to the artform!
CB: Did you always want to go into comedy?
LL: Yes even from an early age I was always destined to become a comedian! Just ask my dad! lol
CB: How do you go about writing your material?
LL: My writing is often born out of my life experiences positive and negative. Comedy is all around us so I often write from the perspective of my feelings and opinions about what I often encounter, that’s usually my first point of call.
CB: Do you gig as a comedy performer full time or is it more of a part-time hobby? If so, do you find that your main job influences your material?
LL: Comedy is a full time job for me whether it be me performing live on stage or at home creating ideas for material. My main influences for my material would have to be popular culture and satire.
CB: What do you find the most enjoyable and frustrating parts of the comedy circuit?
LL: The most enjoyable thing about the comedy circuit is definitely the vibrancy and it’s popularity it has such a diverse amount of comedians that convey so many different personas! I have so many comedy buddies and its always such a pleasure to work and travel with them. The frustrating aspect of the comedy circuit are the politics. some comics don’t always get what we deserve in this industry which is unfortunate.
CB: What’s your favourite type of audience to perform to?
LL: I love audiences that are diverse where everyone is well represented albeit through their sex, race, class, and age. As my comedy style is very universal.
CB: Have you been heckled a lot since you’ve started gigging? Do you enjoy being heckled? What’s the best heckle you’ve had?
LL: I don’t usually get heckled that much but i strangely enjoy it on the odd ocassion it does happen! Sometimes being instinctive and having to deal with a heckler really improves your comic skill. Seeing a comedian deal with a heckler live on stage successfully is always a pleasure to see! a heckler once shouted out to me “Oh look there’s Freddie Jackson!” who apparently is a 1980s American soul singer!
CB: What advice would you give to new acts thinking of starting out in comedy?
LL: Just be passionate about it and work hard on your craft then it can be very satisfying and rewarding.
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