What's on your rider?

Karen Egan

What's on your rider?A big fat cup of tea.

What would be on your fantasy rider?Crystal Swing serving me a big fat cup of tea.

What's the best gig you've been to?Leonard Cohen in Kilmainham last year. Either that or Crystal Swing in Killarney.

And the worst?Lady Gaga at Oxegen last year. Longueurs and free-form improvisation. Yawn. I hear she's improved.

Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Lenny Henry. Really.

Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Falling off my chair mid-song during my first solo show in 2003. That's when "breaking a leg" goes too far.

Chatting between songs – good or bad?Good. It's an essential part of my gigs. I really like to engage with the audience. And it's a good way of finding a boyfriend.

Groupies. Would you?As I said, I'm single and desperate.

Have you a special stage wardrobe?Wigs, bowlers, boas – and that's just what the band wear. I have several tutus, and currently own more costumes than clothes. I invest all my money in the shows. (My own wardrobe is ridiculously small and plain.)

Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?Definitely.

Any useful stage tips?Make each show your best, be nice to your musicians and don't fall off your chair.

If you could be in any other band, which one?Leonard Cohen. Either his band or Crystal Swing.

Who's invited to your aftershow party?Sadly, not that many people are interested in joining me for a cup of tea.

What's your best tour story?Getting followed by an elk in Finland. Really.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea.Karen Egan and the Cian Boylan Quintet play the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire on Saturday