Harriet Kemsley, ‘breakout contestant’ (Guardian) of Last One Laughing UK, dishes on memorable heckles, her go-to London food spots, and the time she spectacularly bombed on stage. Harriet returns to Leicester Square on Thursday 12 June with her new show, Everything Always Works Out For Me.
What’s your most memorable heckle?
It was probably ‘Keep Going Love’. The audience then descended into an argument about whether they liked me or not. I could have told them they didn’t.
When in London, where do you go for your pre/post gig food?
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, Pizza Express. Although they keep changing the menu and the whole point of Pizza Express is it’s meant to be comforting and the same everywhere. I also like Mildred’s and Shack-Fuyu.
Who’s the best upcoming performer in the country that we haven’t heard of?
If you haven’t heard of her then that’s on you. But an act I have loved from the very start is Kate Lucas. I think she’s so funny and talented and she’s very kindly agreed to open for me on the 12th even though its her actual birthday.
Who would you describe as your arch-nemesis?
My dear friend Evelyn Mok once gifted me a notebook with ‘Harriet’s List of Enemies’ embossed on the cover. Its contents are private, but please be assured, they will be destroyed one by one.
When was the time you bombed the most onstage?
I got asked to do 20 minutes at the top of a ball. Do not recommend.
How do you like to relax after a gig?
Ideally, I’ll be having a cocktail with some of the acts. In reality, I’ll be driving home and trying to stay awake.
What’s the one thing you want the audience to take away from your show?
Merch. No not really, I’ve sold out.
Would you rather have fingers as long as your legs or legs as long as your fingers?
This is a dumb question because obviously it’s legs as long as your fingers. You can’t possibly get anything done with legs for fingers and I think having fingers for legs would be very elegant.
Harriet Kemsley: Everything Always Works Out For Me, 12 June 2025, 7pm.