One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's special guest is doing a special: Amy Matthews records her latest show up at Edinburgh's Monkey Barrel in early February, for future generations to gaze at in wonderment. What's it about?

"My show Moreover, The Moon is about main character syndrome," Matthews explains, "but more broadly, how external gazes affect our behaviour and sense of identity. I'm so excited to film it at Monkey Barrel. That place is home."

Then in March she'll be over in Glasgow, warming up a new show at the Glasgow Comedy Festival: it's the circle of comedy life. So, looking back, how was 2022?

"Diplomatically speaking, a year of ups and downs," she says. "Less diplomatically speaking, a fucking car crash."

The wheels of fortune. Amy Matthews, your Random 8 await.

Who was your first on-screen crush - and ever met them?

Michael Moscovitz from The Princess Diaries - specifically, in the first three-quarters of the film; he coifs his hair up in the final scene and ends up with awful 90s French exchange student vibes. I fancied him when he was a weirdo student mechanic, not a princely date with his life together.*

Honourable mention to Xena, Warrior Princess - who, upon googling two seconds ago, it turns out is Ron Swanson's wife in Parks And Rec.**

I am yet to meet either.

* note to self: explore with therapist.
** note to self: explore with therapist.

What's the best thing you've ever bought a ticket for?

I don't know about ever, but went to see HAIM at the Hydro this year and that was pretty sensational. I also realised they have the best fans in the world - women, queer folk and men who are bad at sports. HAIM fans are warmly invited to my show.

Your most regrettable purchase?

Two tickets to see Paul Blart: Mall Cop in 2009 at the Southend-on-Sea Odeon.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

"Make better decisions" - Me, 2022.
"Take your own advice" - Me, 2023.

Which British town should be abolished?

I'm not in the business of abolishing towns, but let's just say every time I've aggressively hated a stag do in an audience, they've been from Swindon.

What's the best thing you ever drank?

Bustopher Jones in Truro has a twist on the classic Paloma that consists of Mezcal, pink grapefruit, himalayan salt and violet bitters. It tastes like ashtrays and keys and soil. It's fantastic.

Is there a book or film that changed your life?

Paul Blart: Mall Cop. It taught me that you can exercise free will and leave a cinema screening.

Who do you do a decent impression of?

My Stacey Solomon is passable. And I do a pretty good Sophie from Stath. Ooh, and if you're one of my five remaining friends from my undergrad, you can vouch for my killer impression of our third year Modernism lecturer. That requires a very particular audience, but it roofs it every time.