Pauline Daniels

I first met Pauline Daniels at a gig in Elton, near Ellesmere Port. If I remember correctly, it is tucked away near Stanlow. Anyway, this comedienne was top of the bill, and I was the support. To call her just a comedienne was unfair. If you heard the voice that belted out Lilac Wine and Send in the Clowns, you would not have thought she had a joke in her. I was in awe and have been ever since.

Our paths crossed many times over the years, mainly when we were on the same bill. I even remember getting a dressing down from her at one point, but it wasn’t until I interviewed Pauline that I was introduced to her softer side.

I had only ever known the loud, Scouse woman who made a lot of noise on and off the stage, a total contrast to the lady who sat opposite me answering my questions. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and, in fact, wished it had gone on longer. There was a warmth and honesty that I had never seen before. Pauline is down to earth, someone you can relate to and always has a story up her sleeve.

What has lockdown taught you about yourself?
The lockdown has taught me that after three not-so-good marriages, I have finally married the right man; if I’d been locked down with any of them other than Frank, I’d be in prison now, serving life for murder. My heart goes out to anyone who is in the wrong relationship; it’s important to have the right person by your side at all times. I’ve been through tough days, and at the end of them all, I felt blessed that he’d been there when I opened my eyes the next morning. I have always known that I am very much a people person, and I know that I am definitely in the right job; I have missed performing so much.

What positives have you taken from lockdown?
My faith in humanity has returned; there are so many people ready to put themselves out for the community, and I’m grateful for good friends. I have realised that I can be creative; I’ve started to write, and I’ve got a play, a book and new material all on the go. I only hope that I get to finish one of them at least.

I believe you are going on tour. How does that feel?
I was very sceptical about doing live streaming; comedy isn’t the easiest thing to do in your kitchen, but it reached so many people, including a promoter, and he has put a tour together, adding dates every week, all over the country because the live streaming has reached so many places due to social media. I’m really excited; it’s been a long time since I did a stand-up tour, and with all of the social clubs closing, it’s harder to find anywhere to perform stand-up these days. it’s also a bit scary. I’m out there on my own again after touring with a theatre cast, but being scared is good; it adds to the excitement.

What do you like most: acting, being a comedian or singing?
I have never been able to choose between acting, singing or comedy and I’ve been fortunate to have had a career of the fabulous mix. Being part of an acting company is fabulous. My favourite acting job was being part of the 6-month rep at the Everyman but then when the acting job is over, I’m always desperate to get back to making people laugh. My ideal job, I suppose, would be musical comedy theatre… I’m greedy, plus hearing people laugh is the most powerful drug in the world.

What has been your career highlight to date?
There have been too many highlights to pinpoint just one: meeting Bob Hope, playing Mae West alongside Barry Cryer’s W.C. Fields, doing the Palladium, telling Simon Cowell to shove Britain’s Got Talent, that’s a story on its own, playing Shirley Valentine, Mama Morton, in Chicago, Mama Rose in Gypsy too many to be able to pick. The one big one is being made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moore’s University for my continued contribution to the world of performing arts, which is just about at the top. I was and am very proud, but it was the last big thing that my dad witnessed. I lost him 6 months after my graduation, and my mum and dad were just the proudest people in the world. I’ll never forget their faces on that day. Yes, that’s definitely the highlight of my career.