Katy Perry is a performer and writer currently appearing in her fantastically funny one-woman show, The Very Perry Show at the Hope Theatre, having wowed audiences in San Francisco, Edinburgh and Ireland. There is one week left so get your tickets now.

HOW OLD ARE YOU?

55

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Northwest London

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m a writer and performer (mainly comedy). I started my career in San Francisco where I started doing sketches. As the years went on I got commissioned to write for the stage, radio, TV and film. I’m passionate about writing for radio but there’s nothing like performing in front of a live audience.

TELL US WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE YOUR AGE?

Well I don’t know what it’s like not to be my age:)

WHAT DO YOU HAVE NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE AT 25?

Ambition. I wasn’t a very confident person growing up and it was only when I started performing that I that I realized I had a talent for something that could translate into work and once I figured that out there was no stopping me.

WHAT ABOUT SEX?

It’s important if it’s important to you. I think it’s important:)

AND RELATIONSHIPS?

I’ve had some fantastic long term relationships and look forward to more. I married a GI  and moved to the US when I was 21. We lived on military bases which was interesting but I didn’t fit in there. We divorced but remained friends. In fact I’ve remained friends with all my ex’s which is great.

HOW FREE DO YOU FEEL?

Free as a bird, there is nothing tying me down.

WHAT ARE YOU PROUD OF?

My first commission for Woman’s Hour on BBC R4. A radio producer came to see my sketch show at The Dublin Fringe Festival and commissioned me to write a series of my comic monologues. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?

People mainly. I’m always looking for material and everyone has a story to tell. In my show I say I collect people. I love creating characters that are recognizable, funny and have inner lives.

WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST?

When I’m performing.

AND WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVITY GO?

Into my work. I like to switch from writing for radio to stage then to film which challenges my brain as they require a different thought process.

WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIVING?

Keeping it lit for as long as possible. My younger brother died recently and that hit home how lucky we are all to be alive.

AND DYING?

No thanks.

ARE YOU STILL DREAMING?

Oh, yes.

WHAT WAS A RECENT OUTRAGEOUS ACTION OF YOURS?

I couldn’t possibly say.