Art & Culture

Take cover, it’s "The comedy assassin”

Ninia Benjamin is one of the UK’s hottest female comedians having worked her way up from “a job at Woolies” to becoming an in-demand stage personality and live comedy stand-up. Ninia was catapulted to stardom in the BBC3 hit comedy show 3 Non-Blondes. Ninia also showed another hidden talent – hairdresser – when she was crowned the Winner of Celebrity Scissorhands 2007, where she and a host of celebrities cut and styled their way through two weeks in a televised salon, raising thousands of pounds for Children in Need. A fan of food and Harry Hill, Ninia continues to raise the roof wherever she performs and would also love to co-star alongside Bruce Willis!

Women Magazine: How did you first break into comedy?
Ninia Benjamin: A friend and I were talking about comedy and I told him that I had written a set, would he like to hear it. He laughed and said “If I get you a gig, will you do it” and I said “Ok then”. I didn’t really commit myself to it. Then I got made redundant and said let me give it a go.

What kinds of jobs have you done before being a comedian?
Worked in a cafe. Trained people on computers and worked in a Woolies.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Fun, cheeky and serious.

Do you ever think you will go into straight acting – I hear Catherine Tate finds it hard to get a straight role?
I would love to get into straight acting. I used to do it, but give it time.

Do you think you will ever have a re-union with the two other non-Blondes.
Wow - who knows!

What boundaries wouldn’t you cross in your comedy?
Anything to do with children and animals - that is rude. Just not funny.

Why so few women comedians? And why even fewer black women comedians?
Maybe because it is a lonely life and you have to do a lot of traveling late at night often missing last trains, so if you don’t drive it can be difficult. There are quite a few black women comics, they are just not on the mainstream circuit.

If you could have the lead in any classic movie which would it be?
Uma’s role in Pulp Fiction.

Who or what always puts a smile on your face?
Food and Harry Hill.

Careerwise - What next?
Get to act in a film with Bruce Willis and my own one woman show.*

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Catherine Tate or Dawn French? Oh! Both.
Top 3 numbers on speed dial? Voice mail, mum and sister.
Favourite outfit? White shirt and jeans.
Cars – Green or 4x4 Gas guzzler? Green.
Save or spend? Save.
MacDonalds or Mung Beans? Mung Beans (yeah right!)
Party Animal or Pyjama Couch-Potato Queen? Very much both.

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