With the difficult times we are facing at the moment, it is the perfect time to try something new whilst you are forced to stay indoors and over the next couple of weeks we are interviewing acts that are putting on everything from projects to lessons. Today, we are talking to stand up comedian Samantha Pressdee who is using this time to find love….

Hello there tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m a comedian and campaigner. I have been single and celibate for a year and a half. I live with my rescue dog Miley. I run Love Muffin Productions, a social enterprise. I like yoga, dancing and drinking.

Tell us all about the project #LoveInLockdown that you are bringing to the online world at the moment?

I had always planned to start dating again in April this year. I separated from my ex-husband a year and a half ago and my divorce came through on New Year’s Eve. April seemed like the perfect time. The flowers are blossoming, the birds are singing – but then we got locked down. I thought it was funny that I had waited a year and a half to date, only to find myself unable to actually meet anyone. So I wrote some comedy about it as a joke. Posted it on my social media and the video has over 8000 views! That’s a bigger audience in a week than my live stand gigs combined over a year.

What times does it run throughout the day?

My videos are there on the internet, all day, every day, forever!

How much does it cost, what platform etc?

Love In Lockdown is available for free on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

How was the project formed?

I have been working through The Artist’s Way  by Julia Cameron,  with a group of students I met at Ecole Philippe Gaulier when I attended the school in March. The idea came to me to write about love in lockdown when I was doing my morning pages, which is an exercise from Gaulier’s book. 

How has it been going so far?

It’s a lot of work. I’m the writer, performer, camera person and editor, but it’s making people laugh at this difficult time so it’s worth it. My mission is to spread love, truth and laughter.

With everything happening in the world at the moment, why is it so important to have activities like yours available?

I feel it’s important we don’t get too attached to the news. For the first two weeks of lockdown I was so depressed and crying all the time. The reality is I am powerless to do much to help all the people suffering, but I can make people laugh. It’s good to just be silly and playful sometimes.

What can people expect over the next few weeks from your project?

I aim to post a new video every week. I am hoping to recruit some comedians or members of the public to collaborate. It’s like a spoof reality dating show and we don’t have Love Island, so there’s a hole to fill!

Do you think you will find love?

I’ve already found love, it’s everywhere: in my dog, my family and my friends. I would love to find romantic love but doubtful anyone will fall in love with my wacky insecure comedy persona. The universe does have a wicked sense of humour, so maybe I really will find the one. I’m open to anything.

Have you been inspired by other dating website and apps if so which ones and why?

I have been inspired by reality shows Love Island, Love is Blind and the website Plenty of Fish. My dating service is called Plenty of Catfish. The only dating site I ever joined was Tinder but like so many people, I went on one date and then deleted the app. I’d been a snob about online dating… until now!

Do you think that the Lockdown is going to effect the way we date in the future?

Yes, my last relationship was long-distance. I never thought of having a date on Skype to keep the romance alive but now I would probably do that, because I travel a lot.

Will there be online wedding bells for Samantha?

That I would love. The world’s first online wedding. Comedy blogger John Fleming has already offered to be the vicar.

Tell us all about adopt a comedian! What are you looking for in a comic?

I need someone with a good sense of humour so I thought I should date a comic. They are all professionally homeless, I adopted my dog and she loves me unconditionally. So I think adopting a comic wouldn’t be too different.

Who would your ideal adopted comic be?

Russell Brand, but he has already been adopted. I’d quite like to adopt Tony Slattery but he would have to be my uncle, because he is also taken and gay. Raul Kohli is sexy, I saw him topless on Instagram. Don’t tell him I told you.

if people want to find out more about you on social media where shall they visit?

@SammiePressdee on Twitter Instagram and Facebook or www.youtube.com/samanthapressdee

Finally why should people get involved?

To spread love, in lockdown.