Aleisha McCormack is comedic gold.

Lately, I've been (slowly) in the process of putting my online port-folio together, which has meant going through all my bits of writing. A part from the fantastic trip I've been having down memory lane, I've come across some of my favourite interviews. This one in particular, I did last year for a website, Juicee Gossip. It still makes me laugh, even after reading it for the 100th time.

View the original post here. (Big thanks to the site for letting me re-post!)

Image from Aleisha's personal website: http://imdoingmybest.com/

How did you get into stand-up comedy?
Stand up was something I always wanted to try but never quite found the opportunity. In 2005 my fiancée of 8 years, called off our engagement, 5 weeks before our wedding. It was such a bad story that after a while it actually became funny. I saw an advertisement for Raw Comedy, the national stand up competition and thought ‘what better time than now?’ My act was about starting over, the horrendous job of having to call wedding vendors and why all women who work in bridal shops are called Lyn. I was super nervous but got up on stage and gave it a red hot go. I was blown away when I won the heat and went on to perform at the Grand Final during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in front of 2000 people at the Melbourne Town Hall and ABC TV. It was my third gig. It was totally mental.

What’s the best thing about performing stand-up?
Making it off stage alive. I get really nervous before I go on stage. Spew nervous. It’s part of the ritual though; it helps me get in the zone. I convince myself that I don’t know my routine and get all worked up. I think the day I’m not nervous is the day I stop caring....sorry this was supposed to be about the positives of stand up...sometimes the venue might give you a free drink.

Is being funny something you have a natural talent for, or is it something you’ve had to work hard at?
Gee whiz. I’m an only child. I used to talk to myself a lot and make up little stories. We moved a lot...I went to 16 different primary schools (some in the UK). Being self-deprecating and ridiculous was a good way to make friends and not tread on the pretty, dumb girls turf.

Do you find it difficult to portray comedy in writing? Or again, do you find you have a natural flare for it?
When I blog I tend to just type and type, a massive verbal power chuck... then I go back and re-read and edit. When it comes to writing for 7pm Project we’ve got tight deadlines and some days it just flows, the ideas come and other days the countdown is torturous, you just hope the other dudes have written on their page more than "Aleisha McCormack" and the date.

You write for the 7pm project, but you’ve also appeared on the show, and fellow channel ten show, The Circle. Do you prefer being behind the camera, or in front of it?
I really enjoy my on air work. I started my career as TV producer. I love the process of building a story, researching, finding talent and editing. My job at the Circle has taken me to some amazing places...just last week I visited Kakadu and had a panic attack in a crocodile tank...oh yes the highs and lows (they got that on tape and it will be airing in the near future). I feel as a performer and presenter if I can be relatable and entertaining I’ve done my job. I don’t mind playing the fool. I love it and I am super grateful that I have the opportunity to work and travel with such a dynamic bunch of people.

What’s so good about working with The 7pm project? And The Circle?
The free food.

(The people and the opportunities that it has given me. I’ve met some of my heroes. Ben Elton was tops. I’ve danced in gold hotpants with cast of Glee, been hypnotised and interviewed some fascinating people)

What’s been the best thing you’ve worked on?
As old Blue Eyes said ‘The best is yet to come’.

In terms of your whole professional career, what’s been the biggest highlight?
Cripes. Probably working with people that I really admire. I grew up watching the D Gen and The Late Show and I’ve since worked with Glenn Robbins and a couple of other comedians that I really respect. It’s always a thrill.

And what’s been the biggest lowlight?
Getting an atomic camel toe after jumping off the side of a building at the Wolverine Stunt School (google it). Never again.

Were you a good student? Or a larrikin?
Bit of both. I could be a bit of a smart arse. One of my primary school teachers was convinced I would become a politician. In one of my report cards he wrote “Move over Bronwyn Bishop, Aleisha’s on her way”. That was in grade 5. Yeah well, I showed him.

What’s the worst joke you’ve ever told?
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Not going there again.

Who’s the funniest person you’ve worked with?
Dan Burt all the way. Check him out on twitter @trubnad you won’t regret it.

Describe your life in three words.
Fun, unpredictable, eventful

What advice do you have for anyone trying to break into the fields that you’ve been able to break into?
Like any job, work harder than anyone else, be in the right place at the right time and recognise that. Some of my biggest career coups have happened by chance...


A big thank you to Aleisha for taking the time to speak to Juicee Gossip.


Follow Aleisha on Twitter at @leishamccormack. Also check out her official website by clicking here.