Page 164 - Katherine Ryan press pack

"The fact is that at that time, as a woman, I was an alternative comedian. But I found a
place in the UK because it’s such a positive culture: people will pay to see live music and
art every night of the week, and comedy is valued. Because of that, different kinds of
comedy are valued, and I think a lot of Canadian comedians come over here for that
reason.”

Kathbum: family and childhood nicknames

While writing her current show, Ryan found herself in an odd place identity-wise. “I’ve
got to a point in my own life where my daughter is six and a half. She’s definitely very
British, and I’ve been away from my family for enough time that I can now take a pause
and look at where they are and where I came from. Taking a look back rather than a
look forward.”

Writing a speech for her sister's wedding made the Ontario-born Londoner reassess
what she left behind and what she moved towards. The show's title, Kathbum, is taken
directly from her childhood: this was her family's nickname for her, and it has followed
her ever since.

But what makes Ryan distinctive remains: "My style and my voice haven't changed. I’m
kind of taking the pressure off celebrities in this show, and putting it on my family. The
people who really deserve it.”

PC police, fear not: judging by her daughter’s performance alongside her at knockout
five-star Fringe show The Wrestling last year, we can safely assume that the thick skin
and the sense of humour run in the family.

Katherine Ryan: Kathbum:
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 16 Apr, 8pm, £24.50/£18.50
City Varieties, Leeds, 21 Apr, 8pm, £20.10
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, 23 April, 7.30pm, £18.50/£15

http://www.katherineryan.co.uk