Stand-up comedienne Tiff Stevenson caught the nation's attention three years ago when she reached the final of ITV's Show Me The Funny comedy contest.

Now more in demand than ever (Mock The Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The Apprentice: You're Fired) the 30-something artist is coming to Wimbledon to perform her brand new show, Optimist.

Tiff speaks to Louisa Clarence-Smith from her home in Muswell Hill ahead of Saturday's show.

Louisa Clarence-Smith: You say you are searching for optimism in your show in a world of Kardashians, guns and Everyday Vodka. Do you find today's pop culture depressing?

Tiff Stevenson: I think being famous used to be a by-product of your talent and your abilities and now it just seems that everyone wants to be famous without really knowing what for. I find the Kardashians pretty depressing because they are a rich family from Holywood and the father hid evidence that could have helped convict O.J. Simpson.

LCS: So you didn't become a comedian because you wanted to be famous?

TS: I don't think anybody does comedy because they want to be famous. I was acting and I was doing comedy parts and I was getting frustrated with the parts and thought I could write them better so I did.

LCS: Your show deals with female confidence. Do you think comedy can be useful in raising feminist issues?

TS: Yes, there's definitely some feminist issues in there. I don't want to make that the headline but I think anyone who watches the show will realise. I think comedy is useful for talking about all issues, whether it's feminism, or the NHS or mental health issues.

LCS: It seems like your career has really taken-off recently. Do you think taking part in ITV's stand-up contest Show Me The Funny in 2011 launched your career?

TS: I was a working and gigging stand-up so it definitely opened some doors for me and gave me some opportunities. It was great because I got to do the Apollo and the Palladium. Some people really liked the show and some people didn't but you will always get that. I wish it had shown more of the stand-up.

LCS: Who are your favourite comedians - alive and dead?

TS: Most of them are dead - Joan Rivers and George Carlin. Of current comedians I like Chris Rock, apart from when he does anything about women, and Mark Thomas.

LCS: Do you feel pressure to be funny all the time in your personal life?

TS: No, I'm not one of those comedians who is swithced-on constantly. Probably the only person I want to make laugh is my boyfriend, and I have quite a funny family. We laugh a lot together.

Tiff Stevenson, New Wimbledon Studio Theatre, 93 The Broadway; Saturday, November 22, 8pm; £11; atgtickets.com