Morwenna Banks' advice to comedy writing graduates as she gets an honorary fellowship

Comedy star and writer Morwenna Banks has been awarded an honorary fellowship by Falmouth University.

The performer – who started on Channel 4 sketch show Absolutely and now voices  Mummy Pig on Peppa Pig – received the accolade from the university’s chancellor, Dawn French

It was given in recognition of her contribution to the creative industries, for a career that has included appearances on Saturday Night Live, Skins, Catterick multiple shows with Reeves and Mortimer, Shameless, Saxondale, This Time with Alan Partridge and Why Didn’t they Ask Evans?  – as well as writing jobs including  Funny Woman for Sky and Slow Horses for Apple TV+.

Banks, who was born in nearby Redruth, said: ‘When I was asked to accept this honorary award I was going to politely decline. I had a massive attack of imposter syndrome. I felt I didn't deserve it.

‘I grew up a stone’s throw from here and had absolutely no roadmap or precedent in my life for being a writer and performer. I didn't know it could even be a job. I had no connections, was miles from anywhere - and London was nearly six hours away on an unaffordable train. 

‘The idea of a creative place like this university existing here in Falmouth back then was unimaginable. Mum died a few years ago but she was born and bred in Cornwall and lived right near here all her life. But when I decided to write and perform, Mum never questioned  it. 

‘I was never an imposter in her eyes, I was just doing my job. And she was proud of me. Thank you to my wonderful local family some of whom are also here. Thank you to Cornwall for giving me a unique world view. Today is an honour and Mum… this is for you.’

Banks – who is married to fellow comic David Baddiel – also praised French,  saying: ‘When I started out there were very few women doing what I do – so thank you to her Right Honourable Majesty Dawn French here… who on her own and with her comedy partner Sir Jennifer  Saunders has been a constant beacon and a true inspiration to so me and many women.     

‘There are now many impressive women working in our field and a whole new wave of original diverse writers who would, in the past have been marginalised and ignored. Thank goodness there  are now so many more spaces for individual voices to emerge..."  

 Giving advice to graduates from Falmouth’s School of Communication – which included students who have completed an MA in comedy writing – she added: ‘Know that everything takes forever, and everyone will take ages to get back to you on whatever you do and that’s NOT because you’re rubbish, and they hate it. Usually. 

‘And even if they do hate what you write it probably means you’re doing something interesting  – keep going. Tenacity is part of the job.     

‘And when you do get work commissioned everyone will want it IMMEDIATELY and not give you enough time and you’ll be up all night. That’s not fair but it’s normal. Set firm boundaries if you can. Good luck with that. 

‘All of you – stay one step ahead of AI. Our jobs and livelihoods depend on us being human.  

‘Remember, you are the incredible generation who did all this through lockdown. You’ve been isolated and cooped up alone in your room, which actually for writers has probably been really  good training. 

‘But you are not imposters. You’re the genuine article. The path you’ve all chosen and are starting out on is not always going to be a very clear or easy one. But all of you have already proved your right to be here. You have already achieved  an incredible thing.’

Published: 24 Jul 2023