INTRODUCED by acclaimed guitarist Martin Simpson at Broadstairs Folk Week, in Kent, some 25 years ago, folk duo Anonyma won plaudits for their distinct storytelling talents and enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic with their debut album Burnt Feathers.

Pulled in different directions as solo artists, the band, comprised of Anne Lister and Mary McLaughlin, ceased in 1989, but their friendship remained strong.

This summer the pair are taking to the road again to revisit some old songs and premiere some new material sung in Mary’s native Irish language.

Speaking to me before heading back to the annual Broadstairs festival, Anne tells me the duo have not stopped laughing since Mary, who now lives in America, arrived at her home in Wales.

“My husband is going mad,” she jokes.

Here, the singer/songwriter and guitarist answers a few more of my questions ahead of the band’s special Walthamstow Folk performance at The Plough Inn on Saturday: What was the first song you ever wrote? It was apparently a song about a duck and I drove everyone mad with it.

What is your happiest memory of touring as Anonyma? There was a concert we did in Norfolk, Virginia where we received a standing ovation, and as we were singing a song about whales, some dolphins came up the river. It was a sign.

How would Mary describe you? Bossy in the old days (laughs Anne, before Mary comes to her rescue).

Mary: Extremely creative, very warm, highly intelligent and a lot of fun.

How would you describe Mary? A fantastic interpreter of songs, a fantastic ability with creative harmony, a very good songwriter, very funny to be with, open and warm.

What would your desert island discs be? A good friend of mine, fiddle player Mike O’Connor, released a beautiful album called Covath, which we played at our wedding. My second would be Martin Simpson’s penultimate album Prodigal Son and I think I would take something classical like Mozart.

What is your guilty pleasure? Watching Neighbours.

What is your biggest regret? Having a bad relationship in America which completely wrecked my self-confidence for too long.

What could you not live without? My husband.

Anonyma perform for Walthamstow Folk at The Plough Inn, London, on Saturday, August 15, 7.30pm. For more information call 07740 612607 or visit www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk (free)