Alison Thea-Skot

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Thursday 5th January 2017

Very much in the Joe Lycett envelope when it comes to show names, Alison Thea-Skot is about to embark on a three-night London run with the show It's Thea-Skot in Here (So Take Off All Your Clothes). "It's an electric hour of joyful, chaotic, character comedy. With props. And gags," says Skot. "But mainly props."

And props for that title, as the rappers say. Now, let's turn back time.

First gig?

I think my first solo gig was a pay-to-play gig a few years back. They pulled your name out of a hat in no order. I was sat in a wig gripping a sweaty script all night.

It was 11.30pm, there had been hundreds of acts on and I still hadn't been called up. The act currently performing had spent five minutes complaining about women and character acts (of which I was BOTH) and HE WAS KILLING IT.

I wish I could say I got up after him and whipped ass with a rousing set about equality. But sadly this was pre #everydaysexism and my plus-one I'd brought wanted a kebab. I grabbed my wig and we ran for the door. The kebab was great though - four stars.

Favourite gig, ever?

The last time I performed at the Soho Theatre it was a pretty special gig. Having seen so many heroes perform in that room I had one night to make it mine. That was one of my most favourite memories, so I'm looking forward to going back again.

Worst gig?

Probably just before Christmas, it was a lovely gig but through a sequence of crazy circumstances my laptop ended up getting completely destroyed by water during my set. Irony being I was doing a character called 'The Endlessly Positive Girl', and in that moment that idea was SERIOUSLY put to the test. So this Christmas I asked Santa for insurance.

Who's the most disagreeable person you've come across in the business, and why?

Ooooh BCG are you trying to get some gossip? CHEEKY. There's been a few, but if you know what you do and you are in your stride who cares eh? I make sure I don't work with them again. If someone treats you badly, trust your gut and don't take it.

The weirdest gig experience?

I don't think I have had many normal onstage experiences. In this show I make someone eat a Peperami with me in a homage to Lady and the Tramp. And that's the least weird thing I do.

Is there one routine/gag you loved, that audiences inexplicably didn't?

If a character doesn't work, it's probably because I haven't packaged it in the right way. I am very stubborn and will rewrite, I don't give up too easily, unless of course it's clearly total shit. I tried a character where my whole face was covered by a wig, tricky, but I'm still working on it.

What's your best insider travel tip, for touring comics?

Don't just survive on burgers.

The most memorable review, heckle or post-gig reaction?

Some bloke once shouted 'Abigail's Party!' at me. He thought I was Alison Steadman.

How do you feel about where your career is at, right now?

I get to write and perform shows I love. In this show, I stand on stage dressed as a kebab and make people laugh. That's ridiculous and wonderful and not what I thought I would be doing. So I'm a very happy lady. It comes with a whole heap of anxiety, but that's all part of it, right?

To find out more about Alison visit alisontheaskot.com