Comedy

Is this really the first time you’ve performed stand-up?
‘Well, yes… er no. I mean kind of. Simon Amstell did very kindly let me do five minutes as a warm-up for him a little while back, which was great. He said I could do it because it would lower the audience’s expectations. I’ve done live stuff a long time ago but it was mainly as comic characters. For me that was easier in some ways because I got to hide behind someone else, not like stand-up where it’s very much just you out there.’

How did the idea for the show come about?
‘I’ve been involved with the NCH children’s charity for a while. They do amazing work with vulnerable children who are having a hard time, helping them in all sorts of ways with loads of services. They offer support to youngsters at a vital time. I did "Who Want to be a Millionaire" for them last year and that’s when the idea for this came up. Stand-up is something I’ve always wanted to do. That and be a rock star. It’s sad, I know, but I also have an "X Factor" fantasy. I did an ‘audition’ for my [three-year-old] daughter, but she said she wouldn’t have put me through.’ Feature continues

Are you nervous about your stand-up gig?
‘No, not really. I’m just really looking forward to it. It’ll be a fun night no matter what happens. I’m not putting any pressure on myself. There’s going to be loads of really funny stand-ups on the night, so even if I’m shit it won’t really matter. I’m looking forward to watching everyone else and to getting pissed and having a bit of a dance.’

The gig is being plugged as ‘an evening with Jessica Hynes and friends’ – which of your friends will be there?
‘To be honest, my only friend is Michael Smiley – he played Tyres in ‘Spaced’. He’s not my only friend, he’s my only friend on the bill. I can’t wait to see him as he’s one of my favourite stand-ups. I don’t actually know Alex Zane, who’s DJing, but I’m sure he’s lovely. I have invited all the famous people I know, though. Having said that, I don’t really know that many famous people.’

Have you tried your jokes out on anyone?
‘My young son, mainly. I’ve made him sit down and listen to them. I’m such a bad mother, aren’t I? Forcing my own son to listen to me. But he seems to think they’re funny. Obviously I haven’t tried out the adult-themed stuff on him; I’ll leave that for the night.’

Is stand-up something you’d like to do more of?
‘I would love to do more stand-up. The idea is that I’ll maybe do some small, under-the-radar, gigs and gradually build up a set. There’s nothing better than making people laugh. When you have children you lose a bit of confidence for some reason. You change and think you can’t do things. It doesn’t last long, but it takes a while to get back in the game. Now my youngest daughter is three I feel I really want to get out there and do the things that I feel passionate about.’

This isn’t really a question, more of a request; please make some more ‘Spaced’.
‘Strangely, I’ve just been emailing Simon and you never know, nothing’s out of the question. I loved playing Daisy. I was so pleased with the way she turned out. She’s not too neurotic, not just a foil for the guys, she’s a funny, real, rounded person – like me or my friends. So who knows?’

How about making a ‘Spaced’ movie then?
‘If Simon and Edgar were up for it I definitely would be. So there you go, I’m putting that out there. You can have that as an exclusive. I would be very up for doing a “Spaced” movie. How great would that be! Why not? Let’s do it!’

If it comes off, can I say I gave you the idea?
‘All right. It’s a deal.’

Jessica Hynes is performing in ‘Stand Up Get Down’ at Madame JoJo’s on Jun 18. For more information on NCH go to www.nch.org.uk.