Isy Suttie reflects on her adventurous spirit and creative journey
Isy Suttie recalls a memorable skiing experience when she launched herself down a black run previously used in the Winter Olympics. This spontaneous approach was typical for her; she often embraced challenges with little forethought, reports BritPanorama.
Despite her confidence, the reality was quite different. “There were people on the ski lift just open-mouthed. I was in the fetal position trying to get the edges of my skis and just rolling and rolling and gathering speed,” she explained. Fortunately, a friend caught up with her and managed to guide her to safety at the bottom, where she proudly told other skiers about her Olympic endeavour—only to discover she hadn’t even reached the start of the black run.
This anecdote mirrors her experience on Channel 4’s Taskmaster, where Suttie participates in the show’s 22nd series alongside fellow comedians Matt Lucas, Richard Ayoade, Chloe Petts, and Nina Conti. She particularly enjoyed the tasks where she felt completely out of her depth, likening these moments to “being plunged into an ice bath.” At 48, she found a part of herself that she felt had faded with age and motherhood.
Suttie shares a warm rapport with her Taskmaster co-stars, notably Matt Lucas. They first met years ago when Suttie, then a budding musician-comedian, approached him on the streets of Soho to send him her music demos, which she ultimately never did. In conversation, she exudes a quiet earnestness, often leaning in to make her points more emphatically.
She credits her time spent on a clowning course, taken with Ania Magliano of SNL UK, as beneficial preparation for the unpredictable nature of Taskmaster. Her varied career has included writing memoirs and novels, acting in Peep Show as the quirky Dobby, and performing stand-up comedy, showcasing her eclectic talents.
Raised in Matlock, Derbyshire, Suttie engaged in diverse pursuits, from exploring ouija boards and abandoned houses to playing in a prog-rock band named Infinite Drift. She later moved south to attend the Guildford School of Acting in the late 1990s. During this time, she undertook quirky challenges, such as reading every book in the Dalston library fiction section—a plan that faltered upon discovering an unappealing title.
Her initial stand-up gigs were rooted in the queer circuit, where she found mixed responses yet gradually developed a unique style characterised by her blend of songs, storytelling, and humour. “I didn’t get much sleep through the whole of my twenties,” she reflects, recalling juggling various jobs while performing.
Even years after its airing, Peep Show continues to resonate. Despite its often dark humour, fans frequently express how it provided comfort during trying times. “I think a lot of people find comfort in it in a way that perhaps they…,” she says, pausing to reflect on her own connections to the show, particularly following her father’s death in 2011.
Suttie’s character, Dobby, embodies qualities she feels she sometimes lacks, yet similarly reflects inherent flaws, resonating with audiences. In 2024, she married fellow comedian Elis James, who made a humorous appearance on Taskmaster with a pair of tattered boxer shorts as a prize task. The coupling has influenced her creative output and writing productivity.
“To be honest, I don’t think I’ve written a decent song since I had my daughter, who’s 11 now.” She notes that the demands of motherhood have altered her creative process significantly, limiting her time for artistic exploration.
Currently, Suttie acts in CBBC’s High Hoops alongside Robert Webb and collaborates with Taskmaster alum Sian Gibson on new writing projects. Rather than following the trend of fellow contestants into stand-up tours or podcasts, Suttie, whose comfort watch includes documentaries on cults, is inspired to explore themes of “power and control.” The challenge of the Olympic black run, both literal and metaphorical, beckons her once more.
Taskmaster continues on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.
