Yahoo Movies Mary Bourke: ‘I always remind myself to be more Patton Oswalt’
The funniest standup I’ve ever seen …
Patton Oswalt at the Soho Theatre was truly transcendent. Before I walk on stage, I always remind myself to “be more Patton”.
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The funniest sketch I’ve ever seen …
There’s a scene in Difficult People when a random character is daydreaming about Julie Klausner’s “long labia” and says in the most wistful voice: “I like it when the roast beef goes past the bread.” That’s a glorious piece of poetic filth, isn’t it?
The funniest book I’ve ever read …
I got A Confederacy of Dunces as an audiobook. I laughed so hard I almost crashed my car on the M40.
The funniest person I know …
My husband Simon is also a standup comic. During lockdown he had a massive stroke and almost died. When he recovered in hospital, he became very angry at the fact that junior doctors wore Crocs and socks instead of “proper shoes”. He insisted on wearing a badge that said: “Q: Why do Crocs have holes in them? A: To let the shame out.”
The funniest heckle I’ve ever had …
I did a gig at a gay bar in Houston. They were waiting for male strippers and hated me. A drag queen lurched towards the stage and screamed: “Sweetie, you gotta stop!” She flung herself at my feet and vomited all over the floor. It’s hard to retain your dignity when your trainers are drenched in regurgitated tequila.
The funniest item of clothing I’ve ever owned …
I had a T-shirt that said: “I’ve got hoes in different area codes” on the front and the words “forgetful gardener” on the back.
The funniest meal I’ve ever eaten …
I love a good pun. I had an excellent burger at The Notorious PIG and had it “biggie-sized”.
The funniest hairstyle I’ve had …
During lockdown I cut my own fringe. I looked like Lawrence Olivier in Richard III.
The funniest word …
“Minge” is a great word. It’s short and punchy. Saying it makes you smile.
Mary Bourke’s podcast Did You Smell Burnt Toast? launches 1 February
