Brief encounter with… Meryl O’Rourke

What can audiences expect from your show Bad Mother?

Lots of laughs, confessions, anecdotes, Nazi Germany, Brazilian waxes and1980’s sitcom stars. A recent, five star, review described it as continuing the important tradition of oral history, but I just think of it as a heavily pregnant woman cheerily swearing.

You trained as an actress, would you say this has influenced your stand-up style?

Yep, cos what I love about stand up is what I hated about acting. I was so frustrated at having to be other people, saying other’s words whilst ignoring a crowd of onlookers – that now I relish telling my own jokes straight into the faces of the lovely people who come and see me.

Since performing the show in Edinburgh last year, you’re pregnant again. How has this changed the way you talk about motherhood in the show?

I’m probably grumpier! My daughter’s at school so I’m used to freedom – the imminent arrival of a 24 hour succubus is pretty scary! Also, I tell jokes about being heavily pregnant, I couldn’t ignore it, it’s the elephant in the room – the size I’m getting- almost literally.

As well as stand-up you’ve presented radio and written on lots of TV shows, what’s been the high point of your career so far?

I love every “up” I get! Just as thrilled by an enthused tweet as I am by an award, or an amazing job offer. Seriously though, I suppose it must be gigging at the Hammersmith Apollo in front of 4,000 people. Laughs on that scale get into your body, like having a delicious laugh sauna. Yes, that was so exciting I’m up to do more gigs there and it’s the only thing I’m considering cutting short my maternity leave for.

What are you planning to do next?

Well most immediately I shall be forcing a screaming man out of my body. After a few months I’ll be back doing stand up, writing and whatever comes my way. I’ve had exciting offers recently so I shall also be spending time constantly emailing TV companies reminding them I am not dead, merely breastfeeding.

Bad Mother can be seen at Laughing Horse at Caroline of Brunswick, Ditchling Road, Brighton on 24 and 25 May at 9:30pm.