Nerine Skinner is using her indecisiveness as an asset for her work-in-progress, bringing variety and character comedy to a more personal show.

Indecision seems to inform a lot about Nerine Skinner’s work. Known for a great range of characters, impressions, crowd work, songs and dances within her comedy, it can sometimes cause her a bit of stress figuring out how to get it all into just one hour-long show. As she says herself, ‘Why not just throw different things at it because that’s what is going on in my mind anyway!’

For ‘Decisions, Decisions (WIP)’, Nerine plans to step into the forefront with a more autobiographical approach, while having original songs, characters and political impressions sprinkled throughout. At the same time, however, she’s still questioning if she can give up the ghost of a certain former Prime Minister, after her sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run in 2024: ‘The Exorcism of Liz Truss‘.

Can you think of a time you were indecisive that still haunts you?

I do speak about a couple of moments in the show. Liz Truss is a really clear one… I’d just make a decision – I’m never doing a Liz Truss parody ever again. And then the next minute, I’ve backtracked and I put three up online.

One of the trigger points of making bad decisions was – I think it all started when I was 15 and I had my first kiss – a really cool guy in school, I kissed him in a bush. There were five other girls there and he lined us all up and then he rated us out of 10. I think I got a three. I could have gotten a really nice, romantic moment with somebody lovely. No, I had to follow him into the bush.

Is this your first time in front of a Glasgow audience? What are you looking forward to?

I don’t think I’ve ever even stopped in Glasgow [before], it’s all very exciting! I’ve always been really intrigued by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival because it’s got a really good reputation and really amazing comedians, up-and-coming and prestigious comedians. I don’t know what to expect! I’ve heard that there’s just no-holds-barred, audiences will say what they want to say. There’s part of that that excites me because at least you… very, very, very quickly know what works and what doesn’t. And I need to know that.

What is it about audience involvement that you like so much?

There’s something really fun about talking to people and letting that take over for a little bit, and pull yourself out of the show [so] the audience gets some fun and it can be about them. I think it injects a bit of energy into the room, as well, because they don’t know what to expect. It becomes quite fizzy and really exciting.

There’s a decision [in this show] between two characters, so if anyone does want to come along, they basically can make the decision of which one I perform, so I don’t have to! One that I really love is an Australian motivator who is just there to get people feeling good, very loud, proud and very energetic. Then I’ve got a French character who’s an artist who’s completely the other way, a bit aloof.

Can we expect the return of your Liz Truss in this show?

She’s found her way in there.

In honour of your show name, we are going to do something a bit different and have a quick-fire round of decisions – are you ready?

Yeah, let’s go for it!

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. Dogs.

Original Characters v Impressions?

Oh, no. Original characters… but also impressions. Original characters for starters and then impressions as the main.

Radio 2 v Radio 4?

Oh, that’s tricky. Radio 2.

Musicals or Comedy?

What about musical comedy? Comedy, because I think you can get music/musicals into comedy. Oh, that’s tricky! You’re cheeky!

Alesha Dixon or Amanda Holden? (in honour of Nerine’s success on Britain’s Got Talent)

Amanda Holden, because I like all of her programmes with Alan Carr.

Liz Truss or Rachel Reeves?

Oh, Liz Truss. It has to be because she’s made my life and ruined it all at the same time. Rachel’s just not had that impact quite yet.

Do you have any tips for other people who struggle with indecision?

I’m definitely seeking tips from other people and if anyone can make my choices for me, that’s brilliant. I think if I could give a tip… it would be that you will make a decision eventually and to just hang in there and you’ll think, “God, why was that so difficult in the place?” So just keep going. Also, flip a coin doesn’t work.

Sum up your shows in 5 words?

Variety, truth, silly, fun, revelation.

‘Decisions, Decisions (Work In Progress)‘ will be at Gael & Grain, Glasgow on Thur 19 Mar at 20:15 as part of Glasgow International Comedy Festival