The very feat of being a female comic is an achievement for feminism because to do so says that a woman’s wit is just as valuable as a man’s.
Part of being the ‘minority’ often works to Kiri Pritchard Mclean’s benefit. The Welsh comedienne (sorry, comedian, I got told off for using the feminine term) says making her mark as a female comic has been easier than expected. “It's an instant unique selling point; it shows that if you're doing well, you’re competent.”
She believes all comedians face difficulties getting gigs and it’s no hindrance being a woman in this profession. “In fact, it may be easier for women as there are female only comedy nights whereas there aren't any, explicitly, all male nights,” she says.
After seeing her show first-hand, the 28-year-old’s instant likeability and wit sets her apart. In her stand up, Mclean rejoices in exposing the humorous and sometimes wicked sides of the female psyche, or the traits the male species aren’t intended to see.
At no point does the fact she’s a woman come into place: her act is hilarious for both genders alike. Covering every topic from relationships, family, politics to sex.
The catalytic moment she knew comedy was the profession she wanted to get into, was when she realised she could use both of her finest skills which were writing and showing off.
The self-proclaimed feminist admits she sub-consciously tailors her set to the gender of the audience. “I probably do ruder stuff if it's a very male audience. It seems to be a quicker way to get them onside.”
Especially in a spotlight position, women tend to be judged more on their image as opposed to what they have to say. Mclean feels that she doesn’t need to hide her femininity as a way to force humour. “I've never felt the need to be "less feminine",” she says. “I always wear very sparkly feminine clothes and usually have heels on.”
“On the odd occasion I've gigged "dressed down" I've actually felt more self-conscious.”
That being said, she often feels as though she is judged more critically for being female. “Sometimes it's explicit, people wolf whistling as you come on stage or shouting something out about you being a woman, but sometimes you just get a feeling and you have to be sure to ignore that.
“The best thing I can do is to show naysayers, who think chicks can’t be funny, that they're idiots.”
“You always push those negative thoughts down and just try to do the best job you can.”
As she has progressed she believes she’s been less discriminated against. When she was starting out it was much worse. “When I was in a New Act competition, the feedback from one of the judges, a male comic was "nice t*ts.” I mean, he's dead right there but I wasn't there to be judged on my appearance. I'd gone into comedy to avoid just that.
“You still get promoters who won't book two women or who will split them up ‘for the benefit of the audience’ and I think that's based on the assumption we all talk about the same things.”
She believes other female comedians have made it easier for women in this profession to flourish. “Sarah Millican in particular has been a positive force. She makes all female comics’ jobs easier every gig we do.”
Despite the United Kingdom having a range of female comedic talent, Mclean feels we are still way behind America in terms of our acts. “The U.S is far more progressive in their view of women in comedy. The UK is embarrassingly entrenched in that respect.”
Like the sparkles of her dresses, Mclean’s comedy future is glistening and is proof of how women are underestimated in male dominated professions.
“The goal is to keep working hard, keep getting better and write a show that's really outstanding.
“The best revenge is living well. So the best thing I can do is to show naysayers, who think chicks can’t be funny, that they're idiots. And I’ll [carry on] being undeniably brilliant.”
Tickets to see Kiri live are available from her website:
http://kiripritchardmclean.co.uk/gigs.html