Following a busy day booking funny people, you’ve gone for a stroll, taken in the Cotswolds’ view and decided to have a little snooze in a comfy barn, but when you wake up the door is jammed. Eek what to do?….
Answer our nosey questions of course:
So Dani…..who would be the first person you’d want to ring once you’d realised the barn door is jammed?
My man, but seeing as he hates talking on phones I think I’d be better off sending him a text! Hopefully he would realise I wasn’t joking about being stuck in the barn, but we are always writing nonsense to each other so I could be in for a long wait…
You’re trying not to panic (thinking about all those gigs to get to) – tell us how you got into comedy and the best thing about it.
Classic example of falling into it. Wanted to work in festivals on the arty side so emailed a bunch asking if they needed any performers. I was thinking more along the lines then of providing djs and dancers because that was the circle i moved in. Anyway, a festival that had won funding on Dragon’s Den got back to me asking for comedians.
I replied ‘great’ then frantically scrabbled around trying to book good comedians in a world I had no contacts in. Thankfully they were all fab – Roisin Conaty was one – and later on I started my first monthly comedy club at 17 Black in Cirencester. Best thing about being in comedy is the people, both the comedians and seeing the audience happy. And when you have a show that is well-attended and the comedians are having a blast it’s a joy.
What songs are you singing to while away the time?
I don’t listen to the radio or pay attention to pop culture anymore so I’d be more likely to try to remember an interesting podcast as I listen to loads, both comedy and about conspiracy truth.
What makes you laugh?
I used to have a really dark streak of humour but I’m finding as I get older that slapstick is hilarious. Children make me laugh of course. The next gig I’m looking forward to is Dave Johns (the lead in award-winning I, Daniel Blake). Tickets are available here.
What are you planning on drinking as soon as you’re out?
Oh I do like a vodka and orange 😉
What’s your first delicious item of food going to be when you’re free? Where will you get it from?
I LOVE curry, I could eat it every day! I’d go to the Sultan or the Thai Emerald in Cirencester, I’m such a home girl. Or I’d cook it myself, I make a mean Thai curry.
Where would be your favourite place to stay in the Cotswolds, if you weren’t sleeping in a bale of hay?
I can be anywhere really as long as the company is good. No point being somewhere smart if the people around aren’t friendly/fun. Camping, forests and festivals i like. Stroud is so beautiful in parts.
What are your immediate plans as soon as the barn door is open? Any hobbies you’re going to take up?
After seeing my girls, I’d head to the Marlborough in Cirencester for a good old knees up. Have had many a fun time there. Hobbies? I’d like to give climbing a go if anyone is up for it!
Dani – who has worked with many comedians including Romesh Ranganathan, Zoe Lyons, Gary Delaney, Charlie Baker, Matt Richardson, Roisin Conaty and Craig Campbell – is currently planning a Comedy Festival in Cirencester – there are great sponsorship opportunities available so get in touch with Dani at danirastellicomedy@gmail.com if you’d like to know more.
Rock the Cotswolds is a not-for-profit campaign created to promote the talent and creativity of the area.
It is sponsored by Crowe Clark Whitehill in Cheltenham – their belief in what we’re doing and generous support helps keep the campaign alive and kicking!
