Why did you start training to swallow swords?

When I was 18, a friend gave me a book called Memoirs of a Sword Swallower and joked that I should take it up. It took me three years to learn how to do it.

What's the trick?

Learning how to conquer your gag reflex, firstly. You have repeatedly to introduce something to the gag reflex until it dies. It takes a long time; the body has a great self-defence mechanism and does not want to swallow anything that isn't food or drink. Then you have to approach the sphincter of the oesophagus. At first, it just goes “no way”, but as you persist, you learn to open up your oesophagus all the way down to your stomach.

Weren't you worried about swallowing a 2ft-long sword?

I was a bit death wish at 18. You know, covered in tattoos, not thinking past the age of 25.

But you've never had an accident, right?

Wrong. Eight years ago I was in a Covent Garden production of Janácek's Bartered Bride at Sadler's Wells. I had to swallow a 2ft 6in sword every night. One night after the show I started throwing up. I went to the Royal Free Hospital, where the doctors discovered I had nicked the lining of my stomach. I had huge internal bleeding. Had I not been so young, I would almost certainly have died.

How long did it take you to recover?

The bleeding went on for 12 hours. The doctors were lovely, though. I returned to the show and carried on in the production, but doing only fire eating.

Wow! Fire-eating too. What else do you swallow?

A table leg. And a pair of scissors. I can put them down, but I have to pull them out manually. Learning how to regurgitate a sword would take years. A friend of mine can swallow a watch and bring it back up again. I can't do that. But I can put lit cigars out on my tongue.

That sounds really nasty. How come your tongue isn't covered in weals?

Well, I only touch it very quickly. When I'm doing a long run it does get burnt, though.

So it's mainly swords, then?

You bet. I'm one of only five female swallowers in the world. That makes me one in a billion.

Are there any benefits?

I have great body control. From the second the point of the sword is in my mouth, up to when it leaves my mouth, I am completely focused. Every morning I do an hour of t'ai chi, yoga and hula-hooping. Hula hooping does wonders for your stomach, it raises your heart rate, and it's low impact - much better than jogging.

Is your diet as virtuous as your exercise regimen?

Well I grew up in a type of commune, and went to a Steiner school, so I always ate lentils and organic food long before it was fashionable to do so. I drink gallons of water and herbal tea, but I also love coffee. I think its all about balance, or as Noël Coward said: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”

Presumably you have to keep in great shape to wear those amazing latex outfits.

Actually the curvier you are, the better you look in latex, and I haven't found anything that suits my body better than latex. I started performing in a fetish scene with über-models and drag queens who introduced me to the wonders of latex.

Did they also encourage you to have so many tattoos?

I know, now they are sort of joining up over my body. But tattoos are quite normal, now. People stare at mine only because they are a bit different.

Do people also stare at that little pencil you wear through your ear?

I'm big on lists, and having a pencil bored through your ear is great on the Tube if your biro stops working. I'm not an intentional exhibitionist.

Really? I would have thought swallowing table legs was exhibitionism in a very intentional way.

I enjoy entertaining an audience. That's how I get my highs.

Any other kicks?

I enjoy the endorphins released through sudden bursts of pain. I once did a full body suspension with 90 needles and I loved it.

That must have hurt. Was it for a prestigious show?

No, it was in private. I wanted to experience the feeling of being suspended 15ft in the air by needles. It was amazing. What does your mum think of your special skills?

She's used to it, but she's longing for me to stop sword swallowing.

Amy Saunders is hosting Miss Behave's Variety Nighty at the Roundhouse, London NW1, July 31-August 24.

Box office: 0844 4828008; www.roundhouse.org.uk

Explore Health

• Expert Advice

• Health Features

• Mental Health

• Alternative Medicine

• Child Health

• Health Club