Did she or did she not rub up against David Mitchell in that closet? Peep Show star Isy Suttie reveals all.
I'm one of those people that laugh when people run for the train and don't make it. I'm like, "Ha! You didn't get it!"
The marvellously named Isy Suttie is a comedian to watch. Having played the cheese-obsessed Dobby on Peep Show, she's now all set for the Edinburgh Fringe. She spoke to us about crap love songs and being a reality show junkie.
How did you get into comedy?
When I was about 11 I had a little cheap guitar and my friends got me to write love songs about boys they fancied. I'd actually leave the cassette tapes in the boys' bags. The boys just found them hilarious and I knew then that I was destined never to be taken seriously. Then I went to drama school, where you have to do everything from ballet to singing. I discovered I was pretty rubbish at most things and when a guy dressed in a cow outfit came above me in ballet class I thought, "Right, maybe I should try something else." And that something else was comedy.
You still play the guitar today in your sets. Any other instruments you're a dab had at?
My mum's a piano teacher, so I assumed I'd be a natural at it. Because, you know, musical talent is genetically inherited, isn't it? It was only after I tried using a piano in a show that I realised it doesn't quite work like that, so I resorted to some little accordion thing.
What was the last CD you bought and who is your favourite crooner?
Rufus Wainwright's the… um… star something [Release The Stars]. It's a brilliant CD. And my all time favourite artist would have to be Tom Waits.
You list Fear Factor, X-Factor and Pop Idol among your television likes. Are you some kind of reality show fiend? Which one would you go on?
I love the ones where you have to sing or eat spiders. I look at the TV and smugly think to myself, "I wouldn't do that!" Then I remember the fee and think, "Hmm, actually maybe I would." Fear Factor would be the one I'd go on.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Fawlty Towers type humour, when misunderstanding words leads to mayhem. Also I'm one of those people that laugh when people run for the train and don't make it. I'm like, "Ha! You didn't get it!" I wouldn't laugh if they got hurt while running for the train though.
Who makes you laugh out loud?
Johnny Vegas live is brilliant. Also love Daniel Kitson and Paul Foot.
You dry-humped David Mitchell in Peep Show. Was making the show a laugh?
There was no bodily contact in that cupboard! Not that I would mind touching David Mitchell... well I wouldn't but it's acting... oh you know what I mean. It was great fun to film and everyone there knows they're making funny TV so really enjoy it. There is one cameraman, Nick, and he must have a right shoulder made of iron as it's literally just him filming. David Mitchell is really good at crosswords and in between takes he would shout clues at me and then he would laugh at me for not knowing the answers.
