Kiri Pritchard-McLean has stressed the importance of "sending the ladder back down" to up and coming comedians in Wales, as the industry continues to grow and thrive. The Welsh star, who began her career 12 years ago, hosts a new comedy series - Live From Barry Island - which begins on Wednesday, October 19. The three, hour-long episodes will showcase some of Wales' best comedic talent including Mike Bubbins, Morgan Rees, Leroy Britto and Anna Thomas.
The Anglesey comedian, who has appeared on panel shows like Would I Lie to You and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, also talked about how the scene had opened up for female comics and unlike previous generations, there's room for more diversity on the bill.
"When I started, there weren't many female comics and the ones that were a couple of generations above us had fought so hard for their place and they also knew that there was only one spot for them on a bill," said Kiri who believes the outlook for comedy is good in Wales. "I think in Wales, we are far stronger if we support each other and make our own opportunities than if we fight for one spot on a bill."
Commenting on the Welsh comedy scene as a whole, Kiri added: "When I started 12 years ago, even though I was living in Manchester, I always made an effort to gig back in Wales and there was a lot more going on in the south than in the north." Despite thinking this is still the case, the comedian described how things were changing. "You could probably just gig in Wales and make a living from it now," she added.
The Live at the Apollo star went on to call Wales' current comedy circuit, "really professional, really competitive and really healthy." Conscious of maintaining this high standard of talent, Kiri said: "Wales is all about sending the ladder back down. Myself, Esyllt Sears and I have set up this comedy mentoring scheme so any comedian in Wales who wants a mentor, has one." Her reason for doing this was that it offers newcomers "professional advice and a soundboard".
Over the years, the Welsh comedy scene has been constantly changing and in more recently, has had to adapt because of a growth in social media usage. But does Kiri find this intimidating? "There's always someone brilliant coming up behind you. I never feel threatened by new acts because only I can be a brilliant Kiri Pritchard McLean," she said.
The 35-year-old's career in comedy began at a young age. "I've always loved performing and I loved writing when I was a kid as well and I didn't know there was a world where you could do the two things," she said. Ever tied to her Welsh roots, she has also hosted a show for BBC Radio Wales and been in a number of S4C shows. She is currently on tour with her show, Home Truths, which has over 25 dates.
Live From Barry Island airs on BBC One Wales at 10.40pm on Wednesday, October 19
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