Samantha Hannah

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 21st August 2018

One random comedian, eight random questions: it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's hardy contestant is Samantha Hannah, who's taking her show How to Find a Husband in a Year for a wee run at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 23-26, then London's Bill Murray venue on the 29th. Intriguing title.

"I was getting to that age where everyone was starting to wonder why I hadn't settled down yet," the well-travelled Scot explains. "So I decided I would write a show about the societal pressures of finding a husband by trying to find one within a year, which would of course highlight the ridiculousness of it.

"However while doing this, accidentally, I met someone that actually could become my husband. He was 12,000 miles away at the time and it all got a bit silly. I still can't work out which parts I am doing for my actual life and which I am doing for the show. It's been one hell of a ride though!"

The journey continues. Samantha Hannah, your Random 8 await.

What's your favourite word?

Probably 'wheesht'. It's an old Scottish word, so it takes me back to my childhood. My mum would constantly be saying 'haud yer wheesht, Sammy' Which means 'be quiet'. I'm hoping she doesn't heckle me with this when she comes to see me on Thursday, but I can't guarantee that.

Which place you've visited was the biggest anti-climax?

Queenstown in New Zealand is absolutely stunning so it wasn't anti-climactic in that sense, however when I moved there last year I was expecting to meet good Kiwi men. I was very excited to receive my first message on a dating app when I arrived. However when I opened it up, it said "Would you like a trip from Queenstown to Poundtown".

At first I was delighted. I thought it would be one of those shops where all of the items are one pound. Being Scottish, I love a bargain! Soon, though, I realised that dollars are the currency over there. Turns out Poundtown is something very different indeed.

What's the weirdest wedding you've ever been to?

I've been invited to a Dr Seuss themed wedding in March so that may well be up there. Also, I've been trying to convince my boyfriend that we should bring a priest on stage at the end of my show and get married in front of everyone in Maggie's Chamber, you know - to achieve my goal. We haven't quite reached a final decision on that one. It would be a weird one though.

Which little law would you introduce?

All places of work have a certain diversity quota that they must fill. I would bring in a diversity requirement relating to animals instead of people. There needs to be a minimum amount of kittens in the workplace at any one time.

What's the best journey you ever went on?

Heading to Australia and then New Zealand to find a husband was up there. South Island of New Zealand is stunning. I think they say that it's like Scotland but on steroids, or something? I can vouch for that!

What was your favourite kids' TV show?

Something I always watched - and I firmly believed that it scarred me for life - is Animals of Farthing Wood. What sick person came up with that? An animal died in it every single episode and I don't think I have ever fully recovered.

Do you have a good hangover cure?

Irn Bru all the way. However, I haven't tasted it since the sugar reduction, so I may change my mind on this after I get back up there on Thursday.

What's the worst job you ever had?

At uni I worked in a Subway in Newcastle. Sometimes I would work until 5am with drunk Geordies repeatedly asking for a kebab, not realising it was a sandwich shop; going on to ask them how many inches, what type of bread, if they want double cheese, if they prefer toasted, which toppings and salad/sauce they like was a challenge.

One guy added so many items his sub ended up costing £40. Another tipped us a £50, then regretted it the next day and popped back in to ask if he could have it back. Our manager told him where to go.