Talking Small Worlds & Big Animals

Sarah Callaghan says she started comedy in 2010 when she handed in notice at her last job — "I had a choice between comedian and unemployed for my job title. Often it feels like I do both." Since then the young UK comedian has received numerous accolades including a Malcolm Hardee Award nomination for Act Most Likely To Make A Million Quid. Seems there's only one thing standing between Callaghan and world domination.

"My laptop is rubbish," says Callaghan. "But even if it wasn't I think I'm so used to handwriting the bits now I wouldn't use it. Technology-wise I'm at least 20 years behind the rest of the planet. I still have a VHS video recorder, it's like living in a museum."

"Technology-wise I'm at least 20 years behind the rest of the planet. I still have a VHS video recorder, it's like living in a museum."

Sounds like the kind of semi-self-inflicted problem that Callaghan addresses in her show Elephant, which was inspired by "My awful life!" claims the comedian. "It's not that bad, but I didn't need to look that far for inspiration — I just sat on my shitty single bed in my mum's house and stared at the four walls until the inspiration hit me!

"It's a show about being trapped," says Callahan, "how many of us live in small worlds unable to break free, struggling with money but more a lack of ambition. I talk about my bedroom, I'm the elephant in the room, dreaming of flying away, Dumbo-style."

It's a relatable, and contemporary, topic. How many people see the near-infinite quantity of information available in the modern age, or a confusing array of potential options, and instead of seizing any of it just seize up? It's something most people face at some stage and if nothing else it's always great to see someone dissect a common problem with humour and charm.

"I hope [the audience] feel a bit inspired to be more ambitious in life and to break free from the traps that so many fall into. Doesn't matter what stage of your life you're at you can always turn it around! My audiences have been from like 16 to 80 and I love it when everyone is enjoying the bits equally." No easy task, but no one's accusing Callaghan of lacking confidence, and she's got the formula down-pat. "A good comedy hour seems like ten minutes, leaves you wanting more and you think about it for ages afterwards. An abysmal one includes the phrase ‘What else shall I tell you about?’"