British standup comedian and fixture of the raised eyebrow social comment wing of TV, Rachel Parris is more than au fait with the funny old game of making ‘em laugh – even if it’s changing at a rapid rate. Her latest tour takes her back to Cardiff, and prompts a quick natter with Billy Edwards.
It’s a tough gig to pigeonhole Rachel Parris’s comedy, as a fan of all its guises. Whether through song, stand-up, improv, television, podcasts and more, she zips through as guide to her new tour, Poise, with frantic delight. “It’s going to be a mixture of stand-up and song and satire. I really like to do a bit of the latter, because that’s what people know me best for.”
As a prominent fixture on BBC’s The Mash Report – which morphed into Late Night Mash on Dave, of which she presented the second series – each week featured biting takes on talking points from immigration to feminism. This new show, however, aims to be relatable relief. “When I do live stuff, it’s a lot more light-hearted and related to everyday life. The reality is that I’m turning 40 during the tour. I find myself in this traditional role of wife, mum, and mortgage payer, and finding the funny in that.”
Some of Rachel’s best work is that on her piano, and there’s no limits to the often-odd directions her songwriting muse takes her. “I try and find topics that I’m passionate about and I feel I could write jokes about.” She’s keen to stage her latest creations through some enticing hints. “I’ve got a song called I’m Amazing. That’s a spoof of those X Factor, self-actualization songs they used to do. I’ve got one about going to the gym – it had to repeatedly tell people I’ve been to the gym. So, I mentioned the word “gym” 39 times, and that turned out as a Disney-type song!”
With the talent of so many comedy styles, she has much to say on its current health. “We’re all just trying to keep up with it. Until five years ago, it was either gig extensively or get on TV. And now with TikTok and Instagram, you can sell out an arena. I’ve been part of that as well, with my sketches on the BBC.”
She precisely cites social media as the most unexpected developments in comedy today, although joking she still has much to learn. “How do I self-produce? How do I edit? What’s a reel?! It’s quite an exciting time as much as people like me and my husband [fellow comic Marcus Brigstocke] rail against it…”
She’s not ready to completely ditch the stage for the screen, however, as she sings the praises of Cardiff’s Glee Club. “I’ve performed there a couple of times, and it’s always lovely. It’s just a perfect comedy club.” In fact, Wales has meant a great deal. “I’ve performed in Swansea with Ostentatious, my improv group. We went on a night out on Wind Street, on Halloween. That was hairy. We nearly died!”
She laughs at the memory. “I’ve been all over Wales. I did Machynlleth Comedy Festival for many years in a row and then touring with Little Wander comedy. And the Hay Festival every year as well. I suppose it sounds like I’m obsessed. I’m obsessed with Wales!”
It sounds like a lot – how does Rachel balance it all? Her sincerity suggests the show will ring familiar to many. “It’s interesting – I am busy and yet, I love downtime, like 10 more minutes to have asleep. It’s just that point in your life where you feel like, “Okay, I’ve got I’ve got a family, I’ve got a mortgage… we’ve got to hustle and keep going.” Watch out for Rachel hustling her way to the Glee Club this June, and surely lots more besides, to keep her comedy cogs turning.
Rachel Parris, Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Sun 2 June
Tickets: £20. Info: here
words BILLY EDWARDS
