 Not many people
arrive at death’s door wearing a Dollywood Dolly Parton T shirt, but then not many
are staying with comedian, Alan Carr, when struck down with meningitis. Rushed into a busy A
and E ward in the midst of Manchester on a Saturday night and then jostled out of the way
by eager autograph hunters. Karen sat clutching her head whilst Alan signed plaster casts,
bandages and the occasional sick bag.
Karen
Bayley, the first (in it’s history) female winner of the prestigious Gong show at The
Comedy Store, performs her first Edinburgh solo show, “The more you pee the less you’ll
cry” which follows her journey from the hospital ward through the trials and
tribulations of recovery and the revelation that through something negative there can
(nearly) always be a positive outcome.
From her
first gig back after the illness at the infamous Vauxhall Tavern where Lily Savage and
Julian Clary gained battle scars she recalls, “I was trying to work out which was way
up, dealing with a gay stag party and a very vocal and knowledgeable lesbian football
team, when I spied a reviewer at the bar. From then on, I thought no more worrying about
what other people think, do it and be damned.”
The negative
aspects of the illness has made Karen look at her life in a completely different way. Even
in the darkest moments there have been moments of hilarity, soul searching but above all
positivity.
“She
has me in hysterics. And she’s nicked me t shirt for the show” Alan Carr
“Considerable
performing punch.” The List
“Comic
timing rarely less than brilliant.” Chortle uk
“ A
very good act.” Jasper Carrott. |
