Comedian Karen Dunbar has spoken the influence growing up in Ayr has had on her career as she prepares to visit her hometown next week.

The actress and comedian, who is perhaps best known for TV shows Chewin’ the Fat and the Karen Dunbar Show, will be visiting Ayr’s Venue38 for her ‘An Audience With…’ show on Saturday, November 18.

The comedian is excited to bring her interactive show to the town where she will share exclusive stories from her life and career – such as how an Ayr teacher inspired one of her most famous characters - and chat with local fans during the Q and A.

Karen said: “[During the show], I’m getting interviewed – but it’s me so it’s not basic. It’s like stand up but I’m sitting down.

“One of the characters I played in Chewin’ the Fat was literally an impersonation of my old biology teacher from Ayr Academy.

“I’ve got a story that I tell in the interview about bumping into somebody who knew exactly who the was an impersonation of – they were a teacher at Ayr Academy.

“There’s a Q and A in the second half as well which is always really fun because I get to interact with people.

“The audience gets to ask questions but more than that, it usually brings up some really spontaneous hilarity because I never know what they’re going to ask me.

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“There’re the usual questions which are great like ‘how did you get started in the business?’ and ‘what’s your favourite sketches and characters that you’ve played?’ but there’s some really random stuff as well like ‘what’s your favourite sandwich?’

“Within the realms of decency, I’m up for being asked anything.”

Karen’s illustrious career has also seen her take on theatre roles both comedic and dramatic.

She is currently playing Mrs Havisham in the Scottish Adaptation of Great Expectations, Nae Expectations in the Tron Theatre in Glasgow – with her run finishing on Tuesday, November 7.

While she is loving her time in Nae Expectations, Karen misses the “personal” and unique atmosphere of her shows and is keen to get back to touring.

She added: “Right now I’m in a play and that’s brilliant – the place is packed and people are loving it – but I don’t get to talk to folk.

“With this tour I get to see people and I get to connect on a better level – it’s much more personal.

“Doing these shows is one of if not the favourite thing that I do because I don’t need to learn anything and I don’t need to do any work before it cause it’s all my stories.”

Tickets are limited and cost £19.80 with VIP packages – which allow attendees to meet and take a picture with Karen - priced at £29.70, and are available here