Words: Claire Smith

So Susie – you gave us all a fright a week before the Fringe.
Aye.  Just a wee heart attack. I was in Bristol.  I’d had quite a stressful night.  My tyres had got gubbed and I was at the garage.  I was with my brother and I said: ‘I don’t feel very well.  I think I’m having a heart attack.’ Before I knew it I was in hospital getting balloons in my heart and then I was in ICU.

But you’re still doing your full run at the Fringe?
Yes.  I love this show.  It’s called Merchant of Menace – I think there should be an award for Fringe show titles.

Will you talk about the heart attack in your show?
I’m just going to start the show by saying ‘I’m here and I’m alive’ and then get on with it.  It’s still very raw and it’s going to take a while to process.

So what is the show about?
I’ve had a big year.  I did ‘Live at the Apollo’ I got married. I talk about going to the Houses of Parliament and about going to a music festival. It’s about realising that some things are no longer open to you – because they are a secret club – like politics. It’s also about assumptions that people make about you because of class.  But also because of the success I’ve had, I’ve had to deal with my own imposter syndrome.

I get the feeling you’re very ambitious?
I am.  I want to be the very best I can be and be a good comedian and represent myself and my people in the broader world.  If you’re fortunate enough to find something you’re good at, then why not try to be the best.

Do you think your health scare will change things?
Well I’ve had to stop the fags, that is the main thing.   I’m getting driven to my show every day by my friends and my wife Nicola. I do think things will change.  I get the feeling that’s the end of act one.  There’s been an interval, now it’s time for act two.

Susie McCabe: Merchant of Menace
Assembly Roxy, Central
14:00
Various dates