Last year was a momentous year for comedian Gina Yashere. She witnessed the triumph of the London Olympics. From her couch. She was finally able to let go of one of her biggest regrets – that she never got a Jim Fixed It For Me badge. She discovered that she’s a closet OCD sufferer and, most momentous of all, she was forced to purchase reading glasses. Gina Yashere: Live! is a 24-month round-up like you’ve never heard before and a rare chance to see one of the UK’s favourite female comics live in action.

You’re opening at artsdepot – have you performed there before?

Yep, I did it on one of my previous tours. I remember it being sold out, and it was a lot of fun!

You’re from London originally – whereabouts?

Originally Bethnal Green, but spent most of my life in north London – Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Wood Green.

When did you move to go to LA?

I left in 2007 – seems like yesterday!

Why did you go?

I wanted a different environment, and fancied doing comedy with sunshine and palm trees as a backdrop.

And what have you been able to do in LA that you weren’t able to do here?

Since I’ve been living in LA, I’ve performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno six times -  I’m still yet to get on Jonathan Ross’ or Graham Norton’s couch. I’ve had my DVD Skinny B*tch aired as a special on TV here. It never got picked up by any channel here, even though I’m much better known here.

Where did the idea for this show come from?

The show is basically the last two years in stand up. Pretty straightforward... I’m not writing a play.

What are some of the things you’ll be talking about in your 24-month round-up?

The Olympics, how I wanted a Jim’ll Fix it badge, and how I can no longer pee in a straight line.

You must keep up with the news back in the UK but, being out of the country, do you feel at all that you’re missing out on the public reaction to all these events, like the Jimmy Saville scandal and the Olympic fever?

No, I actually don’t!

Any audience participation during the show?

There always is. I like to get to know my crowd and weave them into the proceedings. Makes each show more interesting for me and feels less like a scripted monologue for them.

What’s coming up next for you after this show?

I’m doing a stand up tour of the Far East – Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand. Then I eat my weight in mince pies over the Christmas period.

When will we see you back on these shores?

Probably next summer for the Udderbelly festival at South Bank.

  • Gina Yashere: Live! is at artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley on Friday, October 4 at 8pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk