'I didn't feel like a spring chicken when I started' - Comedy legend Janice Connolly opens up about creation of Barbara Nice ahead of Wolverhampton show

The 71-year-old, from Birmingham, had always loved making people laugh - but only realised she wanted to pursue comedy later than others. 

Connolly was part of the city's independent music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s after nurturing her passion for drama at Birmingham Polytechnic (now Birmingham City University).

She later joined Birmingham Women in Theatre, where she would write pieces for the stage, and realised - she had a talent for making people laugh. 

Speaking to the Express and Star, she said: "I always really liked comedy and I was working for the company in Birmingham Women in Theatre, and we were making and writing our own stuff - and I noticed that the stuff that I was writing was getting good laughs. 

"So I thought I might just try and make my own career - but that was after years of being interested in it."

Since making a go of it 30 years ago, Janice's career has gone from strength to strength - with her appearances on Britain’s Got Talent in 2019, where she charmed both the judges and audiences with her infectious personality and quick wit and a recurring role in Phoenix Nights, the cult TV comedy created by Peter Kay. 

However, she is largely known by her alter-ego Barbara Nice — a proud, middle-aged housewife from Stockport who’s all about fun, bargains, and living life to the fullest!

The character was born for an older woman on the club-scene, as Janice explained she felt like she "wasn't a spring chicken" when she started - but she believes "it's great to take risks."

"I came up with her because I felt I was older when I started then, which was ridiculous really," she added. 

"I wanted a character that would work in clubs and I felt I wanted a mother character really and she worked! It's always been successful, which has been great." 

Now, the comedy legend is set to take to the stage at the Newhampton Arts Centre in Wolverhampton on April 26. 

Speaking about the upcoming show, she said: "I've sold out shows in a few places already and I'm hoping to do the same in Wolverhampton because it's not far from home. 

"I think live entertainment is really important. It's all about being together and the buzz of the audiences. I feel laughter makes so many things better - it should be on prescription." 

The show starts at 7.30pm on April 26. Tickets are available from £15 on the NAC website or £17 on the door.