Describing herself coyly, perhaps flirtatiously, as ‘semi-bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria’, comedian Jenny Eclair wants to seduce her crowd with the brand new show, How to Be a Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane).

As the title self-explains, south Londoner Eclair will be tackling issues of ageism by asking the (arguably also slightly ageist) question, ‘why are so many young people idiots?’ and ‘is swearing better than crying?’ By way of answer to her own last question, she reveals that ‘swearing doesn't leave your face looking like a massive swollen football with measles; I’m a very blotchy crier.’

Embarking on a UK tour in September, ‘to explore some of the bollocks that surrounds the ageing process’, Eclair’s 25-plus-year career boasts such highlights as being the first solo female winner of the Perrier Award in 1995, writing three novels, starring in stage shows Grumpy Old Women and The Vagina Monologues and coming third in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Eclair isn’t just back for a right old moan. She insists that there are also plenty positive sides to getting older. ‘You can spend your tampon money on pickles and relishes.’