Sally Phillips: clowning, comedy, family life, disability and faith

Ben Yeoh Chats

Sally Phillips is well known for her award winning acting, writing and comedy. She had roles in 'I'm Alan Partridge', 'Smack the Pony', 'Green Wing', and 'Miranda'; and in the US, Veep. In 2016 she fronted the documentary 'A World Without Down's Syndrome?' (BBC2). I think she should also be better known for her disability rights advocacy.

We talk about types of clowning and why the clown always says ‘yes’; the challenges of older women roles in the entertainment industry and discuss the differences between US comedy and British comedy.

We chat about the importance of faith to Sally and what the aphorism: there being two routes to God (love and suffering) means. We talk about embracing uncertainty, being curious and open minded and the practice of prayer.

The disability community is important to us. We both have children with disabilities. We talk in detail about how that impacts us, how the mainstream world interacts with the disabled and despite the challenges how to have fulfilled lives.

Sally ends with advice for fledgling creatives and expectant mothers.

Ollie makes a guest star experience telling us the best thing about having Down’s.

Transcript and video available here.

Sally's Twitter: @sallyephillips, IG: sallysmack

Ben's Twitter: @benyeohben