Chelsea Birkby
Published: Tuesday 21st January 2025
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week Chelsea Birkby joins us, to celebrate a big departure in early 2025.
"I'm taking This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky on the road! It's my first tour so I am excited to see who's coming. If my special's YouTube data is anything to go by it's gonna be 82% men which is [searches thesaurus.com for synonyms for 'terrifying']."
That special of her 2022 debut, dropped on YouTube just before Christmas - how would she compare the two shows?
"This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky is about current things I'm in the middle of whereas No More Mr Nice Chelsea was looking back, so it's so much more live. For me that makes it both harder and more rewarding. It's deeper and yet somehow much sillier. And for anyone who saw No More Mr Nice Chelsea, don't worry you'll get your fill of high and low-brow references, jokey jokes and of course my extremely aggressive and high-status stage presence..."
Of course! This debut tour follows an excellent run at last year's Edinburgh Fringe, including several award nominations, a spot on the Best Joke top 10, and some lovely audience feedback.
"Since the Fringe, two reactions to the show have stayed with me because they just delight me," Birkby recalls. "One is hearing that a friend of a friend said that a few days after the show they woke up thinking about the show and feeling more hopeful. Yes, it made me cry. And the other is when, after one of the more stupid punchlines, an audience member who'd otherwise been on good behaviour, said out loud: 'UNNECESSARY!'"
Which certainly makes you think. But now, Chelsea Birkby, your Random 8 await.
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
Nan aside (to save show spoilers), definitely my mum. She's heckled me at every show she's ever been to, but she's promised at the next one not to, and I quote, "haggle". From belly dancing at a village BBQ to signing up for the army while on day release, she's a liability, a diva and an icon and getting to know her as an adult is one of the greatest gifts of my life.
What's the worst thing in your wardrobe?
Okay so I'm judging this by what I know I can't wear on stage without losing some of the audience before I've even said a word: I have this fan-made Taylor Swift long-sleeve crop top with a picture of country-girl-era Taylor in a ten-gallon hat and then too many horses. However many horses you are thinking of, think of more. Also, imagine the most unflattering off-white you can.
Which film would you love to have been in (and which part)?
When I was in year nine, I lobbied for the school musical to be Chicago because I was DESPERATE to play Matron 'Mama' Morton. The motion was unsuccessful mostly because the drama department felt it would be frowned upon for children to act out homicides, the corruption of the justice system and, of course, banging. Still, even though the casting makes very little sense, I think I could really have rocked "If you want my gravy, Pepper my ragù, Spice it up for Mama, She'll get hot for you", completely oblivious to either of its meanings.
What's your favourite phrase or saying?
Either 'One must imagine Sisyphus happy' or 'That's hot'.
Who are you most envious of?
Woah, okay Paxman! Here's an answer I'm comfortable putting on the internet: [US singer] Caroline Polachek for her artistry, talent and beauty. Noone is allowed to see whose IG stories appear first, nor my 'Explore' page!!!
What's the most regrettable thing you've ever bought?
I bought brand new Dr Martens at the start of the fringe. Absolutely stupidest move! K.O.
Your most interesting injury?
I broke both of my big toes as a kid and never went to hospital, I just learned a new way to walk that doesn't involve them. Turns out they play a big role in proper functioning. Now, where the feet and legs meet, I have what's affectionately referred to as my 'monster muscle'. When a physio saw, she just said "my goodness".
How did I break my toes? Playing with patio slabs.
Right, and was this on the same occasion? No. No, it was not.
If we don't learn from history we are doomed to repeat it.
What's the best thing you ever drank?
Okay okay, this is pretentious as HELL! At my first 'proper job' I saved for a skull ring from where Ozzy Osbourne shops and a trip to Paris because I was obsessed with the existentialists. I remember wearing this vintage faux fur coat and white round sunglasses and heading to Cafe de Flore on the Boulevard Saint-Germain.
I ordered hot chocolate and when it came it wasn't foamy, milky cocoa powder, it was melted chocolate and it was so velvety and rich and exquisite. As I sat there reading my book, or pretending to, on a very cold and sunny November day, I had the taste of making a dream a reality. Probably the fifth philosophy grad to do that that day.
Is that too cringe? If it is.... let's say the first time I had Buckfast and went on a rampage.
Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky is touring the UK now. Tickets
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