Interview: Kerry Godliman
As seen on Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, Live At The Apollo, Ricky Gervais’ Derek, and more recently Carters Get Rich, Kerry Godliman is warming up for a new stand up tour this autumn. Victoria Nangle spoke with her as she prepared.
I’m utterly enjoying watching you in Carters Get Rich. What do you think you’d do if you suddenly came into a fortune?
I’d like to think I’d do something altruistic with it…be like a well meaning Victorian philanthropist lady, helping the misfortunate. But I’d probably have a year off and take my family travelling.
What’s the most razzle dazzle showbiz thing you’ve ever done in your regular life?
I’m not very razzle dazzle. I feel a bit guilty if I get an Uber. The most showbiz razzle dazzle experience I’ve ever had was go to LA to shoot a film. (Mascots, on Netflix). I drank a lot of Kale juice and did loads of yoga. I found myself moved to tears in one yoga class. They were playing Cat Stevens while we did sun salutations and I lost it. I think that’s very showbiz.
Your new show is called ‘Stick Or Twist’. As someone of a similar age to you, my first impulse is to ask if this is about a fortysomething-what-next time – and if so, what is next?
You’re right, it is about the ‘what next’ stage of life. But more specifically whether to ‘stick’ with living in London, or ‘twist’ and move out. But it’s about other stuff too.
What is your first love: comedy or acting?
Don’t make me choose! I love both. I loved acting first, and went to drama school. If I’d been a more successful actor earlier in my career, I never would have tried stand up. Stand up lets me say what I want, it gives me all the power. But it can be lonely.
I’m not very razzle dazzle. I feel a bit guilty if I get an Uber.
What is the dream role you’d love to be cast in, and why?
Do you mean a part that exists, like lady Macbeth or something? If so, then something in a Noel Coward play maybe, someone witty and urbane. But deep too. And troubled.
If you mean any part I can imagine then a heightened version of me, with a fleet of top writers making me witty and urbane and deep and trouble too.
You’ve got a well honed talent for accessing the familiar and giving it a fresh slant. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to write jokes about but struggle with?
I’d love to be able to nail satire. I love great political comedy.
What is the key to being able to establish an intimate connection with your audience when playing smaller venues (I saw you at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar headlining Gittins To Know You not long ago) and larger ones (Live At The Apollo)?
You just aim to make a connection, person to person. It’s a conversation, but I do all the talking. When you’re playing a big room, slow down a bit.
Do you still get nervous – and if so, what do you do to overcome nerves?
I don’t get nerves like I used to. Exercise. Breathing techniques can help. I think a few nerves are part of the thrill of it.
Who makes you laugh so that you fall over and make undignified noises?
My husband really makes me laugh.
What do you hope 80-year-old you will be up to?
Doing yoga in LA to Cat Stevens.
Kerry Godliman: Stick Or Twist, Ropetackle, Shoreham, Wednesday 22 November 2017; 8pm; £15, ropetacklecentre.co.uk
