AN Inverclyde comic who has been driven up the pole by a new fitness challenge is bringing her new 'Bahookie' show to Greenock. 

Jay Lafferty from Gourock will be on stage at the Beacon Arts Centre on Friday September 27. 

In Bahookie, Jay shares hilarious tales of her pole dancing exploits - describing herself as the 'Liz Truss of pole dancing' - and muses upon taking on a new fitness activity. 

The show was a huge success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year and the Greenock gig is a stop on a tour of Scotland. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Jay said: "This is a much bigger show than the Fringe version of Bahookie, so I can fit all the bits in now that I wanted to before.

"I'm really excited to bring the show to Greenock, it's going to be great."

Jay says her experiences of being contorted around a pole started when she turned 40. 

She said: "It's really hard in the entertainment industry to age as a woman. 

"I wanted to do something to challenge myself and something that people wouldn't expect me to do, something really fun. 

"I didn't quite realise what I was taking on board. 

"The show is about totally overestimating that you're able to do something but just going ahead and doing it."

Jay says the responses from the audience on the tour so far have been 'amazing'. 

Greenock Telegraph:
She adds that the show is all about 'having fun and being a bit silly'. 

Jay added: "It's a joyful, fun show. 

"Everyone leaves with a big smile on their face. 

"I wanted to bring a bit of light in after everyone has had such a horrible few years. 

"It's such a fun show to perform and having the audiences be so positive about it is really encouraging.

"It's all about getting through any challenges you're facing, putting a smile on your face, and performing."

Jay is taking Bahookie to London's Soho Theatre for two nights on May 31 and Jun 1, and says the gigs are a 'career goal'.

She added: "I think it's a pretty big deal. 

"It's great to see quite a few Scottish based acts doing the Soho. 

"It shows that Scottish comedy really getting the recognition it deserves and that's really exciting."

Jay will be in Greenock next month hosting an episode of political satire show, Breaking The News.

Greenock Telegraph:

The talented comic has urged anyone who lacks a bit of self-esteem of self-confidence to start pole dancing. 

Jay said: "You will have such a laugh and feel empowered. 

"I'm constantly covered in bruises from being contorted around a pole but I am completely happy in my own skin."

To book visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/jay-lafferty-bahookie