'Comedy doesn't pay - so don't get into it'

The Dublin comedian Andrea Farrell will be one of the headline acts in the Cork Comedy Festival, which takes place between September 21 and 24.

Farrell was one of the finalists in RTE's New Comedy Awards in 2013. Since then, she has performed in festivals such as the Vodafone Comedy Festival, Kilkenny Cats Laughs, Electric Picnic and the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. She is also a regular at Dublin's International Comedy Club.

Farrell broke new ground recently when she did a comedy tour around Ireland in a camper van - along with her fellow comics in The Lads of Comedy. For more information on the Cork Comedy Festival, visit www.corkcomedy.com.

What's the most important lesson about money that your career as a comedian has taught you?

That comedy doesn't pay, so don't get into it.

What's the most expensive country you ever visited?

Anywhere I've gone has been cheaper than Ireland. It's when you come home and have to take out a credit union loan to buy toilet roll that it hits you.

What's your favourite Irish coin?

The one cent coin. I hate having to look at a sea of (mobile phone) screens when I'm at a music gig and everyone's recording the gig. One comedian has started to throw one cent coins at screens when he's performing - and the owners take them down fairly quick. It's a lovely coin that won't do damage, so it's essential for gigs.

What's your favourite saying about money?

'Aaaaaaaaaah, aaaaaaaaah - all the things I could do if I had a little money. It's a rich man's world'. A line from the well-known Abba song.

Apart from property, what's the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

My 2001 Toyota Corolla, which was €4,500 in 2007 and is still going strong today. I called him Bruce. I'm gonna keep driving him until it's a vintage car and hipsters want to rent it for their weddings. That time will come and I'll be ready.

What was your worst job?

I've enjoyed all my jobs so I've been pretty lucky.

What was your best financial killing?

Probably the Confirmation. I bought a ghetto blaster.

Are you better off than your parents?

Their mortgage is paid, so no. Who'd give a comedian a mortgage?

If you won the Lottery, what would you do with the money?

I'd get pool (billiard) lessons and tour the world hustling.

Would you buy property now?

There's gonna be another crash soon. I'll hold off.

iTunes or Spotify?

Spotify. My brother gave me the password to his account a few weeks ago so I've been enjoying listening to new music. I had been pretty much been listening to Queen's Greatest Hits up until then because it was the only CD in my car.

What was the last thing you bought online?

A dress for my brother's wedding. I'm his best man - even though we have two other brothers.

Do you ever haggle?

I'm not assertive or cheeky enough - and they don't take too kindly to haggling in Lidl.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

My car, my sandwich toaster and going to the odd music gig.

Are you a spender or a saver?

Comedy doesn't lend itself much to either but if I'd have to land on one, I'd say spender - with the emphasis on experiences, rather than stuff.

Have you ever made an insurance claim?

Claims of comedy prowess maybe, but I've never made an insurance claim.