We had the pleasure of spending a little time with Emma Doran! Here’s how we got on…
It’s mad you wrote a book! Could you ever have imagined?
No! And certainly not a memoir. Younger me would have been keeping it all to myself.
It’s a hilarious and honest story of your, predominantly, early life. How easy was it to open up?
Stand-up has been good training for being vulnerable and open. There’s always a part of me that pauses and thinks, ‘Should I say that?’ But that’s usually the good stuff! So I just tried to trust my gut.
How easy was it to write?
I wrote it in waves with plenty of tea, courtesy of my daughter Ella. Some parts I had even forgotten about myself until I sat down to write which I wasn’t expecting. It was tricky at times but I came away feeling proud of my younger self.
Who did you have reading early edits?
No one really! Only my publisher Gill Books who were great throughout the whole process. Ella was the only one who got early edits. I just felt if I gave it to too many people in my life I’d become too aware of ‘this is a book’ rather than ‘this is my story’.
When did you last make yourself laugh?
This morning when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror with a morning bedhead!
Who makes you laugh most?
Probably my kids and Shane. I’m that terrible parent who loves nothing more than getting everyone hyped up just before bed. Bedtime laughs are the funniest though.
Do you joke/mess/laugh because it’s better than being morose/sad/pessimistic?
God yes! Funny sad stories compared to bad sad stories are much more enjoyable to tell as well. I love nothing more than having a ‘the state of me’ story to tell a friend.
We read a quote there recently: My trauma made me hilarious. Any truth in that?
Without a doubt. It’s very freeing as well. If you can laugh at your own terrible bits first, no one has power over you. We all have ‘bits’ but if you can laugh about them, with time of course – they don’t own you then.
You have a lot to thank your older brothers for; they were your first hecklers you say. Do they think you’re funny today?
They continue to heckle me to this day but I’d be worried if they didn’t. The best slaggers are the people who love you and know you most.
What have you learned over the last few years since your comedy career has taken off?
Oh god! What a question. I still can’t remember what day is what bin collection. I think I’ve just gotten clearer about ideas maybe – like the power of laughter and my own need for connection.
Aside from your own book, what are you reading?
I just finished PJ Gallagher’s book and really enjoyed it.
Do you read to switch off?
Reading is my alone time. I listen to a lot of stuff in the car as well when travelling to gigs. I could do any drive as long as I’ve a good podcast or book to listen to.
You watching anything good on telly?
The Boys on Prime Video.
Listening to anything you’d care to recommend?
My playlist is that of an unwell mind! S Club 7 to Foo Fighter and everything in between.
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
Prawns, prawns and more prawns.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
My bed.
What are you most thankful for in life?
My family.
What are your hopes for the future?
To keep laughing.
Mad, Isn’t It? is published by Gill Books and is out now, priced at €18.99.
