Mash Report star visits Brighton school

Comedian Rachel Parris dropped in on Roedean School, Roedean Way for their Speech Day on Saturday (November 2).

The Mash Report star told pupils, parents, and staff that young people should be ‘wary’ about limiting themselves to one ambition as life progresses.

An Oxford graduate, musician, and actress, Rachel said: “Don’t hold on to your dreams too hard because they might not be right for you as you get older. I didn’t plan on being a comedian – and my mum certainly doesn’t think I should be one as ‘it’s dangerous, its not secure financially and my brother’s funnier anyway’ – but it’s what I turned out to like doing after years of being an appalling cocktail waitress and working in arts administration.”

She advised students to ‘veer off the path sometimes’ to try things they wouldn’t normally do.

“You have got to veer off the path sometimes and try stuff you wouldn’t normally do – even if it’s nothing to do with what you plan to do with your life - because you always learn something about yourself.” she said.

“My hero Julie Walters was a nurse first and – terrifyingly – Harry Hill was a neurosurgeon and still has a licence to practise – so they all veered from their paths to find what they truly loved.

“Keep your options open, say yes to things you might not think you’d do naturally. You can do more than one thing with your lives and there is nothing more powerful than educated women – don’t have blinkers on because there is so much out there for you to do.”

Roedean pupils gave the comedian a standing ovation after her speech.

Headmaster, Oliver Blond, said: “What Rachel said really resonated with the pupils and also the leavers who have gone off to university but are still at the very beginning of their journey.

“I hope the girls left Speech Day remembering that life is long and full of opportunities and the more you can say yes to, the greater your chances of discovering what you love.”

Rachel has appeared on panel shows such as Mock The Week, QI, and Would I Lie To You as well as starring in Live At The Apollo, Plebs, and The Now Show on Radio 4.

She is also part of the Edinburgh Fringe Show Austentatious, which has toured nationally.