ONE of the most talked-about shows of the Edinburgh Festival last year was perhaps one of its more surprising successes.

Sophie Willan's On Record doesn't deal with your typical stand-up subject matter - the deeply personal tale of growing up in and out of the care system could be heavy going if it wasn't for the young Bolton comic's engaging storytelling and natural charm.

"I suppose it's not really what most people would expect, but it's funny and quite optimistic ," she says.

"There's a lot of negative language around mental health and service users, so it's all about reclaiming that language and making it positive."

Her debut stand-up show comes to the Brewery Arts Centre, in Kendal, on Thursday March 16, and then the Beggar's Theatre, in Millom, the following night.

Neither show will be her first visits to the venues, having toured with shows such as the theatrical comedy The Novice Detective, but this is her first time out on the road with a one-woman comedy performance.

"I'm just really looking forward to it, because I know it's a good show and I enjoy doing it," she continues.

"Edinburgh went really well, and the show had a sell-out run and got some good reviews.

"I have been to both Kendal and Millom before, but with a theatre production, so not as a stand-up, but they always seem like very savvy audiences.

"Hopefully I get chance to spend some time up there and either arrive the night before or set off early in the morning. I live in a city, so most places look beautiful to me.

"I love to get out and see somewhere like Kendal and have a wander around - the last time I was there I remember visiting a lovely tea room, so I'll try and find that again."

Having grown up in and out of care, at 23, the state unexpectedly delivered all of Sophie's personal files.

On Record explores who she is today through the eyes of the numerous experts who assessed her growing up. Here, she takes inspiration from her unusual life experiences, to make bold, unapologetic and political work.

The show is supported with public funding from the Arts Council England, which has opened up the show to some of the people that it may resonate with most of all.

And the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

Sophie says: "Because it is Arts Council funded, for some of the shows we've been able to invite service users and care leavers, and people like homeless women's groups, to come and see the show for free - and they really liked it.

"They felt like they weren't being demonised - it's a show for them, instead of just being about them.

"I talk about the subject with passion and humility, and try to humanise these people rather than demonise them.

"This is my debut show, so that is always about introducing who you are and telling your story so far. I'm sure there will be elements of it in my future shows, but they will be a bit more current, and about what is happening at that time."

Tickets for Sophie Willan's On Record tour in Kendal and Millom are available from the respective venues' box offices.