Christian Steel wants you to Google him. Carefully.

1. Tell us about your career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

Career so far: started 2006. Got to Hackney Empire Final. I was lucky I turned pro after a a few months and started getting weekends quickly. I do a lot of voice overs on TV, do TV warm up, and play all over the world. Am I happy where I am? No. After best part of 10 years I think I'm finding my voice and my preview reviews are showing it. I've steered clear of TV because of my acting career - Google it I'm first thing that comes up. Don't put an E on the end of Steel; there's a porn star with that name and he's done movies such as Cheek to Cheek, Route 69 and Schindler's Fist. That's not me.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

For first time my heart is open and I'm showing the real me on stage - I'm known for being a slick showman/game show kinda host but there's more and it's this show.

3. Why are you putting yourself through this famously stressful experience?

Because it's comedy Mecca and we must all go there like sheep.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

My work and life. Build and they will come. All my shows have filled so far - I think because of the years on the road. I'm in one place - not a moving target. The show's good. I'm not into making a fool out of myself or cheesing people off to get attention. If it's quiet I will cut my manhood with razor blades and enter lemons singing "there's no business like show business".

5. How much money do you think you'll lose/make this year?

So far I've ploughed £2.4k into this. I found I'll make it back. Unless someone sees what I got and gives me a golden handcuff contract - kinky.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Just friends' shows and see what happens.

8. If you took over programming a venue, what would you perfect line-up of comedians be?

Steven Wright
Greg Giraldo
Lee Evans back in '91 playing small room set
Todd Barry doing crowd work
And me

9. Name the one person you'd rather not bump into during the festival.

Gosh - I can think of one person but I'm not saying. Other than that Nigel Farrage as he's a t**t.

10. Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,700+ other comedy offerings at this year's festival?

Well ...after all this time I'm finding my voice. I'm on form and a lot of things are coming together. I've always been known for being a good performer with skills but the rest is falling into place. Also all my reviews have been shit hot.

'Christian Steel - Gloom Hunter' is at 9:15pm at Cowgatehead on 8-29 August. Listing