The Skinny on... Thanyia Moore

South London actor and comic Thanyia Moore is making an impact with her straight-talking stand-up. With last year's Edinburgh Fringe cancelled, we’re hoping Moore makes a splash on the (presumably virtual) festival circuit this year

Feature by The Skinny | 14 Jan 2021
  • Thanyia Moore

Thanyia Moore's breaking through to the mainstream. Having started on the comedy circuit in 2012, she's gone on to win the Funny Women Awards (previously won by the likes of Katherine Ryan, Desiree Burch and London Hughes), reached the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award in 2018 and recently supported Dane Baptiste on tour. Over the past year, she's made appearances on Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe and recently debuted on Mock the Week, cementing her reputation both on and off screen as a comic on the brink of UK-wide success. Here she talks to The Skinny in our first Q&A of 2021.

What’s your favourite place to visit and why?

My favourite place to visit is any restaurant where I enjoy the food. I'm a foodie and that is literally the only time of the day I feel genuine happiness... When I'm eating good food! 

Favourite food and why?

Favourite food is hard to answer BUT my favourite meal is my mum's shepherd's pie. With cooked cabbage, runner beans, sweetcorn and lashings of gravy... OMG!! 

Favourite colour? 

Purple. It's my birthstone and I think it promotes peace and tranquillity. 

Who was your hero growing up?

I don't think I had one tbh – was too busy being a self-centred middle child. 

Whose work inspires you now?

I'm inspired by a handful of people because I want so much out of my career. Davina McCall for presenting. Viola Davis for acting. Whoopi Goldberg for all of the above and stand-up! 

What three people would you invite to your dinner party and what are you cooking?

Whoopi Goldberg, Angie Le Mar and Ne-Yo. I look up to the women so would love to sit and pick their brains. Neyo is simply the entertainment. 

What’s your all-time favourite album?

Jagged Edge – Jagged Little Thrill.

What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?

How Stella Got Her Groove Back. I mean... We really didn't need to know if that is all it was [shagging]. 

What book would you take to a protracted period of government-mandated isolation?

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. 

Who’s the worst?

Every leader of every country. 

When did you last cry?

Tuesday 8 December 2020 – had a moment with my little sister for her 30th and it was lovely. 

What are you most scared of?

Failure and never finding love. 

When did you last vomit and why?

Wednesday 2 Dec 2020 – filmed a thing where I had to get drunk and threw up when I got home. Absolute fucking lightweight. 

Tell us a secret?

A secret. 

Which celebrity could you take in a fight?

None. I can't fight. Can just about manage 10 press-ups (but don't tell anyone, feel free to change this and make me sound tough)! 

If you could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would it be?

Definitely a cat. They have a lot more power than they let on and it would be nice to lounge around all day, eat, sleep and repeat... all while paying no bills.


Thanyia Moore should be bringing her debut hour, Bully, to the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe
thanyiamoore.co.uk