Katherine MacAlister catches up with comedian Lucy Porter and finds her in a mischievous mood

Comedian Lucy Porter had expected to be married to pop star Morrissey by now and bringing up a large brooding family with mono brows and terse expressions.

Instead she lives in Pinner and is the ultimate suburban mother, alongside her two children and a nice husband with which to swell the comedy coffers.

Her new show Consequences then is a reflection of her 16 year-old self’s expectations of life versus the realities, and as such, one she is enjoying immensely.

“Well here I am still in my pyjamas at 10.30am, so it must be getting easier,” she smiles.

“Actually I’m off to host a posh awards ceremony tonight,” she tells me.

“Obviously I’ll be wearing the same frock I wear to all of these things, but still.”

This bundle of comic mayhem was let loose on to the world in 2001 with immediate results: numerous sell-out nationwide UK tours, regular appearances on TV and radio, Celebrity Mastermind champion and an acting career in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest in London’s West End, alongside Christian Slater.

With two children now at school, Lucy has more time to herself and is obviously in a good place, having survived the sticky toddler stage and now able to concentrate on her comedy career again without being stricken with guilt at leaving her young family behind while she is on the road.

“I remember when we all had the Norovirus and I had a gig in Portsmouth.

“So I got on the train and was sick all the way there, managed to get through the gig and then was sick all the way back, but at least I wasn’t at home with two puking children like my husband,” she says.

So does she discuss this transition in her life? “No, my children don’t feature much in my new show at all – they are obviously not funny enough, unless I’m subconsciously shielding them from the spotlight,” she giggles.

“No, this is all about me. Whey mention anyone else when I can hog the limelight all to myself?”

So tell us what Consequences is about. “It’s about ageing, and reflecting on what I thought I’d become when I was 16.

“The whole world is in turmoil so a lot of us are being quite reflective I think. It is such a turbulent time globally.

“And my stand-up has always been very organic so Consequences is just what I found myself writing down – it’s what comes upon me. I would describe it as gently political and largely anecdotal.

“So this is more a letter to my 16-year-old self, and her reply, and let me tell you she is seriously angry,” Lucy tells me.

What is she so angry about?

“She is very disappointed that I buy my jeans from M&S.

“She wanted to be Kate Adie and live in New York unfettered by kids or responsibilities, saving the world.

“And of course marry Morrisey. I presumed that going to Manchester University would definitely mean I would end up married to him.

“And yet I don’t want that life now and I haven’t met anyone who became the person they expected to at 16. Most people are in a very different place.

“And anyway our physical and mental decline is quite humorous don’t you think, so I’m really enjoying it.

“So my question is really is this the best outcome?”

And is it? She laughs: “I’m looking at my husband now and he’s certainly not Morrissey although he is wearing specs, but that’s a new thing.

“In fact he is getting more and more like Morrissey – grumpier the older he gets,” she laughs.

“But having children has made me a better person and touring gets me out of the house and stops me getting cabin fever.

“So I have found a good work/life/balance. I do a month at Edinburgh, tour the country but not relentlessly, there are gaps in between so I can go home and have a life, and then I spend the rest of my time doing bits and bobs and spending time with my family.

“I feel much more inspired now and find it much easier as a stand-up perhaps because I’m much more sociable. It’s all that standing at the school gates it’s the ideal preparation for a career in comedy.

“So Consequences is not a mid-life crisis, but a mid-life celebration. now that I’m the grand old age of 43.

“I told you my 16-year-old self would be horrified.”

Lucy Porter

The Mill, Banbury

Saturday, November 19

themillartscentre.co.uk

01295 279002