In the world of stand-up comedy, Suzi Ruffell is a rising star making waves with her sharp wit, relatable storytelling, and infectious energy. The British comedian recently sat down for an interview, offering a candid look at her unlikely journey from aspiring actress to comedy sensation.
From Drama School Dreams to Comedy Club Stages
Ruffell’s path to comedy was far from conventional. “Initially, I wanted to be a comedy actress,” she reveals. After graduating drama school during a recession, acting opportunities were scarce. Undeterred, Ruffell took a friend’s suggestion to try stand-up comedy. “From my first gig in a dingy basement to 12 people, I was utterly hooked,” she recalls.
Comedic Influences and Inspirations
Growing up, Ruffell was obsessed with the iconic duo French and Saunders. As she delved into the stand-up scene, she found inspiration in the likes of Kerry Godliman, Tom Allen, and Zoe Lyons, marveling at their ability to captivate audiences. “I went up to the Edinburgh festival and saw acts doing incredible one-hour shows like James Acaster, Bridget Christie, or Sara Pascoe. I was totally inspired,” she gushes.
Mining Comedy Gold from Real Life
Ruffell’s comedy is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, from embarrassing encounters with celebrities to family anecdotes. “My family are pretty good for material,” she quips. “I always think if a story is good enough to share at the pub, I will give it a go on stage.”
My uncle recently described a meal as being so hot ‘it gave his arsehole a black eye.’
Suzi Ruffell on her family’s comedic fodder
Tackling Anxiety and Parenting in “Snappy”
Ruffell’s latest show, Snappy, delves into the universal themes of anxiety and parenting. “The jumping-off point was anxiety and parenting, and anxiety about parenting,” she explains. Through hilarious storytelling, Ruffell navigates everything from accidentally poisoning her neighbors to dealing with internet trolls.
The Power of Vulnerability in Comedy
One of the key lessons Ruffell has learned from her time in stand-up is the power of authenticity. “People respond well to vulnerability and honesty,” she notes. By fearlessly sharing her own struggles and triumphs, Ruffell creates a deep connection with her audience.
Memorable Moments and Motorway Musings
Reflecting on her most cherished gig, Ruffell points to her first appearance on Live at the Apollo. “To take part in that show and have a great gig was honestly such a thrill. I am not embarrassed to say when I came off stage I cried with joy and relief,” she admits.
Ruffell’s comedy career has also granted her an unexpected area of expertise: UK motorway services. “Best? Tebay, by miles,” she declares with a laugh.
No Regrets, Just Laughter
When asked about regrets, Ruffell’s response is as quick-witted as her comedy: “Non, je ne regrette rien … well, apart from every time I have ever embarrassed myself.” It’s this self-deprecating humor and willingness to laugh at life’s absurdities that make Ruffell’s comedy so endearing.
As Suzi Ruffell continues to captivate audiences with her razor-sharp observations and heartfelt storytelling, one thing is clear: this rising comedy star shows no signs of slowing down. With her upcoming memoir Am I Having Fun Now? and a new tour, The Juggler, on the horizon, Ruffell is poised to keep the laughter coming for years to come.
