She rose to fame on RTÉ’s Naked Camera. She then made us cry with laughter with Fancy Vittles. And now Maeve Higgins is taking to the stage in Vicar Street.

The Irish comedian from Cobh will be supporting Una McKevitt’s show Singlehood at the beginning of next month, So we caught up with her to find out what are the highs and lows of being single as well as what makes her tick…

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You’re supporting the show Singlehood. Is that an area of life that you draw upon yourself for material?

I talk about all sorts of things in my show – family, slow cookers, politics and my favourite hobby - which is picking up studs. Oh you better believe it - I’m relentless in my pursuit of honeys. I sweet talk them and make off with their hearts. It’s easy and fun.

The show has been a hit with audiences but what was it that made you want to get involved with the production?

Well, I saw Una McKevitt’s work before – she created a brilliant show called Victor and Gord a couple of years ago. It was funny, sad and true – all my favourite things. So when she asked me to meet up and talk about performing before Singlehood, I checked the date, saw I would be out of prison by then and said yes immediately.

You’re performing at Vicar Street in Dublin. Do you prefer playing more intimate gigs or are the bigger ones better?

Vicar Street is not big to me. What does it seat – 1100 people? I am used to arenas! I am a pretty big deal. So Vicar Street feels just like my goddamn grandmother’s front room. Sorry for swearing, I just can’t believe you didn’t know what a major player in the showbiz world I am.

(Her note: Sorry Maeve, we'll know better next time...)

How does an Irish crowd compare to those around the world? Have you ever had a joke that didn’t translate well in other countries?

I think funny is funny, wherever you go. That said, nobody ever laughs at my Eddie Hobbs impression in Brooklyn. In case you’re wondering what that impression is – it’s basically me exaggerating my already strong Cork accent and doing sums, it’s pretty good.

Going back to the beginning, did you find it difficult to establish yourself as an Irish, female stand-up?

Doing stand up is tricky at the beginning but if you want to try it – you should. Get over any doubt you have being worth listening to, say what you want to say, and keep writing. It’s fun, in the end. If you’re funny and you want to make a living out of it, there are loads of ways to do it. Tweet, blog, book yourself an open spot, watch good comedians like Tina Fey and Maria Bamford and don’t be scared!

Where do you begin when you’re writing material? Are there any sources of inspiration that you always go back to?

I mainly talk about myself onstage. It’s a very healthy lifestyle I’ve developed actually. I just have to sit on my bed during the day, when everyone else is at work, and decide what I think about things. Then I tell a load of strangers. If I’m truthful and funny enough, they reward me with short bursts of laughter, then I go home, sit back down on my bed, and start again.

You’ve worked with your sister in the past. Is that something you enjoy? Is it easier to have someone there to consult about things?

I loved working with my sister Lilly on our commercially successful series Fancy Vittles. It was a global phenomenon and everyone wanted a piece of us after it was broadcast. I’m sorry to say the success went to Lilly’s head, she took her share of the profits and left the country. The last I heard she was in Brazil. I hope she reads this wherever she is. Lilly, get in touch! I want to ask you how much butt implants cost over there. 

Having worked in television and on stage, is there one you prefer?

I love the stage, the lights make me feel alive. But I also love TV because if you see yourself on TV you know for sure that you exist. My favourite of all media is the radio. You didn’t ask me about that but I’ll tell you all the same – radio is the greatest. Instead of reading about celebrities or diets we should all listen to radio documentaries!

Who is your favourite comedian?

Maria Bamford.

What are the best and worst parts of being single?

The best parts are stealing other peoples’ boyfriends and the worst parts are when they find out and you feel like a bad feminist.

 

Maeve Higgins will be supporting Singlehood in Vicar Street on March 1st and 2nd.