Sarah Kendall
Published: Tuesday 1st March 2022
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week that funny person is the favourite daughter of that other Newcastle, the one where it makes sense never to wear a coat, because you're in Australia.
Sarah Kendall is one of comedy's finest storytellers, who recently turned her pen to the second series of her popular Sky sitcom, Frayed. Her performance as haughtily harassed heroine Sammy earned a BAFTA nomination for Series 1. So what does she get up to in the follow-up?
"Series 2 opens with Sammy and her kids back in England, having successfully fled the scene of the crime," says Kendall. "They are living on the bread line, but Sammy still has high (and completely misguided) hopes that she can win her mansion back.
"Back in Australia, Sammy's mother and brother are keeping a close eye on the investigation into their 'missing' neighbour. However just as the case seems to be winding down, a new cop is assigned to the investigation. Sammy has by no means got away with it..."
Frayed so. Sarah Kendall, your Random 8 await.
What was your childhood career dream?
I had a patch of time where I wanted to be a vet and it was all I could talk about. I really have no idea where I got that idea from. I was never particularly interested in science at school, and I'm pretty squeamish about blood and operations. I think maybe I just like jobs with white coats.
Which historical figure should get more attention?
The guy who survived the bombing of both Hiroshima AND Nagasaki. I think about him frequently.
What's the weirdest thing you ever saw?
A dog breastfeeding a litter of kittens. It's not called breastfeeding when it's dogs is it? What's that called? A vet would know...
Do you have a signature dance move?
I guess 'running man' is all I got these days.
Which unsung Aussie town deserves more attention?
That's a tough one. There are so few undiscovered treasures anymore, but there's a spot called Taylor's Beach where I used to spend summers water-skiing. I haven't been there in 30 years though, it might be a total shit pit now. Looking back, there were also frequent shark sightings. Like "hey kids, we're not skiing today because there are sharks about". Like the sharks weren't there on other weekends. Insane.
Ever met a surprisingly great or awful famous person?
I met Patrick Swayze when I was working in radio back in the late 90s. He was promoting a film and he seemed like a really nice guy.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
Interesting people are pretty tiresome, whacking you over the head with how interesting they are. I prefer people who are very funny with some sort of mental health issue.
What's the most regrettable thing you ever bought?
Skin-toned high-waist underpants.
Frayed is on Sky Max and streaming service NOW, and the whole series is available to download. Sky.com
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