Harriet Kemsley stepped into the comedy game in the early 2010s and has been full speed ahead ever since.
Just in the last year, she’s come off of a successful first season of the British comedy game show Last One Laughing (LOL), started up a fabulously funny podcast, Single Ladies In Your Area, with fellow comedian Amy Gledhill and finishes off her latest show, Everything Always Works Out For Me, in June.
We recently spoke with Harriet on her experience being on LOL, her favorite comics and her 2023 comedy special Woman Child, which you can watch here.
How was your experience filming Last One Laughing?
“It was incredibly enjoyable and fun, except for the fact that I couldn’t let any of this show on my face which was absolute torture. I was in there with some of my comedy heroes and I’m not meant to laugh. What did I do to you!”
Would you ever do another game show?
“Of course! I mean I am very bad at them and I find them incredibly stressful, but that’s part of the fun!”
Are you a big fan of game shows/reality TV? If so, what are your favorites?
“I mean I am very into the Real Housewives franchise. I know that really we shouldn’t be supporting women scheming and shouting at each other. But there’s some great businesswomen! Ever heard of Sonja Morgan’s Toaster Oven! My favourite is when they first appear, they come in and try and act really together and it all absolutely crumbles. I gave up trying to act like I have anything together a long time ago and it’s been very freeing. But I love watching people who have not taken that approach.”
Would you say you get more nervous being on TV or on stage?
“The thing with TV is I forget I’ve done it until my Mum messages and says your Grandma watched. It really depends on what it is. I was pretty nervous before Last One Laughing because I really didn’t think I could not laugh. I felt like it was an ingrained part of my personality. And yes I think I have been changed forever.”
What do you want to say to people who might have just recently come across your comedy since being on LOL?
“Hello! No, I can't really do that with ping pong balls.”
Who are your favorite comedians that inspired your comedy/any new comedians you're loving?
“I have been obsessed with Maria Bamford since I started. She's so funny and honest and raw and I think she is very special and we must protect her! And I love Lorna Rose Treen. I gigged with her recently and she’s so funny live and online. And Jin Hao Li of course!”
Woman Child was your debut comedy special, what was your favorite part about recording it? Do you have any upcoming projects in the works you can tease?
“My favourite part was when someone fell asleep in the front row and then stayed for the second show and sat in the same place.They loved it so much they slept through it again! I’m doing the final tour date of my new show Everything Always Works Out For Me (it’s called that because last year it didn’t) at Leicester Square Theatre on the 12th June which is my biggest ever venue so I’m very excited for that.”