After establishing that Gina had indeed recovered from the mega party of The Dinah, confessing she "partied very hard that weekend".
Yashere played to a full room full of lesbians at the start of that weekend, and made sure there was plenty of lesbian culture thrown into her jokes especially for the audience (as well as plenty of mainstream classic material of course).
Yashere's career began in the UK and included appearences on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Fame Academy. Yashere has been over in America for some years now, and has developed a lot of material observing the cultural & political differences between the two countries, as well as appearances on Last Comic Standing and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Yashere uses foreigner "naivity" to soften the blow of her cultural observations, ensuring that the joke rather than the critique is what is heard, and that the familiar chords that are struck are appreciated how they are intended.
The opportunities on TV in the States are fewer, with no traditional panel shows that proliferate the UK channels. It's about hard graft on the stand up circuit - working twice as hard if you happen to be an "urban" woman - and spots on the big late night chat shows that provide the exposure required to sustain a career in comedy. Or of course, the lucky few who translate into sitcom land (think Seinfeld, Raymond and Ellen).Yashere happily takes all of the work, and the spots and the gigs in her stride.
Udderbelly is a regular gig for Yashere, consistently selling out and enjoying the experience particularly when the weather is good. Whilst in London she'll also be catching up with friends and family, and stocking up on Nigerian dishes. Her mother, who may be on the wrong end of a few of the jokes in the set, only steps out for the bigger gigs, but is pleased to be mentioned, "she loves it", apparently.
For prolific tourer Yashere, the work continues once Udderbelly is over and she's back in the states. Touring and Gigging all over, including a comedy tour of Isreal in June. And who knows, perhaps one day she'll make it to her choice locations of Brazil and Cuba.
For prolific tourer Yashere, the work continues once Udderbelly is over and she's back in the states. Touring and Gigging all over, including a comedy tour of Isreal in June. And who knows, perhaps one day she'll make it to her choice locations of Brazil and Cuba. Win!
For a chance to win a signed copy of Gina Yashere's DVD Laughing to America follow us on Facebook
DATES: Thurs 22nd May & Friday 23rd May @9pm / Saturday 24th May @ 7:45pm
PRICE: £17.50 / £16 Concessions. Sirloin Seats £22.50
TICKETS: 0844 545 8282 / www.udderbelly.co.uk / www.southbankcentre.co.uk/udderbelly
AGE RESTRICTION: 14+
