Rhona Cameron interview

We're told your show focuses on your struggle with 'the absurdities of the modern world'. What sorts of things do you struggle with?

'I struggle with everything. I like the basic stuff - outdoors, nature, food preparation and consumption, running, gym, boxing, cinema, music, doing my mum's garden, golf, dreaming, trying to facilitate the millions of ideas in my head on to paper. Anything else is a struggle.'

So, do you own a smartphone?

'I have been using Apple products since the start. There is no question that when it comes to aesthetics Apple leads the way. And as a Libran, beauty and design is important to me. I can't bear to even look at BlackBerries. I just feel sorry for them and their owners.'

What about social networking? Are you on Facebook? Do you Tweet?

'Not on Farcebook, no. Don't feel the need. It's a little desperate I think, proving to cyberspace that people are doing things, busy, popular. For some people who are facilitating genuine genius, or connecting with loved ones far away, I get it. Let's be honest, though - it's often a place for insecurities to run rife; it breeds insecurity and paranoia. I can honestly say it would serve no purpose in my life, and not enrich it in any way. If I became housebound through illness or disability it would be a lifeline that no doubt I would appreciate, but as it stands, I'd rather talk to and listen to people I feel I value, face to face. I need a lot of time alone with my thoughts, so try to shut out the traffic. Twatter is a different matter. I'm considering it. We'll see.'

You had your own sitcom and you've written books. How do these compare to stand-up?

'Well, they are all storytelling. Stand-up is much more difficult than the other media. It's very easy to be on stage when it comes naturally as it does to me, but the process of finding material that people will relate to is harder than, let's say ,writing a book. A book is a long gestation period. Conception is the easy part, but then you have to look after it, give birth to it, which is long and laborious. But then the rewards are around for ever. Whilst stand-up is more momentary, more transient, and then you run a tightrope with great risks that can swing between ecstasy and despair. The gladiatorial aspect that we endure for years in the clubs before getting to the level I'm at now is not for the fainthearted. I'm very lucky in one way to have this kind of versatility. But it's also deeply burdensome, if you can't make it all happen exactly when you need to. Highs and lows - you've got to ride them all in the long game.'

You were trying out new material at The Hen & Chickens recently. How important is the audience in shaping the show?

'Well, stand-up is essentially instinct. If you could learn it then you'd all be doing it. I know lots of funny people in various occupations who are far funnier than any comedians I've known. However being a stand-up is a different ball game. Trying stuff out is essential. Hen & Chicks is a great place to try stuff out and warm up, and my audience were very forgiving, indulgent and generally beautiful.'

Rhona Cameron will be at the Greenwich Comedy Festival on Sept 12 2010.