Esyllt Sears

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 18th April 2023

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week we welcome the Welsh wit Esyllt Sears, who boasts a burgeoning list of writing/performing credits - Sears' catalogue? - and now a high-concept podcast: The Xennial Dome.

Were you born between the late '70s and early '80s (and are the sort of person who appears on podcasts)? Then Sears and co-host Gareth Gwynn may be in touch, to ask about your formative years.

"The podcast came about like all great podcasts should," Esyllt explains, "from low-level boredom, a penchant for self-indulgence and a deafening sense of one's own mortality. Also, we really wanted to know if Nish Kumar, Isy Suttie and Jess Phillips MP could remember where they were when Diana died."

Just in a fun way though - they're not suspects (as far as we know). That aforementioned Dome is a sort of virtual museum, with Xennial-era artefacts being added every episode.

"We ask each of our guests to bring in something to put on display," says Sears. "I love every suggestion we've had but my favourite so far has to be Thanyia Moore's bottle of Lucozade (from series two and yet to be broadcast).

"She presents it, not as a drink, but as medication. Because anyone who was ill as a child in the '80s and '90s was given original Lucozade as medication. I still drink it if I've had a particularly harrowing bout of V&D."

Or there's always Stevie Nicks' trick - Tango in the night - but now, Esyllt Sears, your Random 8 await.

Who was your childhood hero?

Kylie. Minogue. I wanted to be her when I grew up. Still working on that.

Which TV show would you love to have been in, and which part?

Neighbours. In the '00s, they once had an Irish character on there and I genuinely thought that one day, they'd play on the Welsh connections Australia has and that would be my 'in'. They didn't. But either way, I'd play any character as long as they were in every scene with Karl Kennedy.

Which town or city should be abolished?

All of them. Apart from Aberystwyth.

Your most interesting injury?

I don't know if it's interesting but it's the injury that sums me up best. I ripped open the top of my left ear because when I was four years-old, I finished the Creme Egg my mam had given me and started eyeing up my two year-old sister's Milkybar. I reached over to grab it from her, fell off my chair and had to have stitches. All because I was, and still am, a greedy little pig.

What's the greatest invention, ever?

The spoon. Have you ever tried scooping poo out of a bath with a fork? Thought not.

Your favourite mode of transport?

A horse.

What's the best or worst book you've ever read?

Worst book has to be Mary Poppins. Have you read it? It's bad. But it's reassuring as a writer to know that you can produce utter garbage and a problematic producer might see some potential and turn it into a multimillion dollar film. Dreams really can come true, kids.

Who are you most envious of?

People who own horses, and anyone who gets to be in a scene with Karl Kennedy.

The Xennial Dome is available to download from Acast