Steffan Alun
Published: Tuesday 23rd July 2024
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week we welcome Steffan Alun, who may well be well-known to Welsh speakers reading this, as he pops up regularly on the Cymru networks - and has also gained a faithful Edinburgh Fringe following over the years.
And he's back this year, at legendary hostelry Banshee Labyrinth. What can he tell us about the new show?
"It's funny and full of jokes!" Alun explains. "That's always the main thing for me. But also, it's about language and stories. I'm a Welsh-speaker - it's the language I think in - and it's really struck me how little people really know about that language and its culture, and it's been a great source of comedy."
Rhagorol! One other interesting thing about Alun's hour-or-so is that he shares it. The title? Steffan Alun and Support: Free Stand-Up, but at What Cost? Which sums up this pay-what-you-want affair rather nicely. He does 45 minutes, after a tight ten from a (usually newer) fellow comic. That's partly to actively avoid the whole award-eligibility business. Plus "it's nice to work with support acts," he says. "Much less lonely!"
Does he have other plans, at this year's Fringe?
"I'll be hosting 2 Truths 1 Lie a lot. I love that show - performers make statements about themselves, and the audience grill them for answers. I'll probably be doing This Is Your Trial when I have the time. Audiences get put on trial, with comedians playing judge, prosecution and defense. All the fun of shouting 'objection!' and I didn't even have to go to law school.
"And any number of other things. Sitcom readings, game shows, RPG shows - and countless guest spots at comedy compilation shows to make sure people know I've got a new show!"
A full Fringe indeed. But now, Steffan Alun, your Random 8 await.
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
My mother swears blind we're descended from the last Welsh royal family, from the 13th century. I choose to believe it! Please ask England to let me be King of Wales as is my right.
Which superpower would you go for, and why?
Oh, I have a horrible idea for a superpower! The ability to make people see themselves the way I see them.
So when my friends feel insecure, I can make them see the wonderful, vibrant version of themselves that I see. Mostly, though, I'd use it on people being pricks on public transport.
The worst thing you ever ate?
A raw potato - in a race against a rival at school. Bit my lip early on, so as the potato got smaller it increasingly got covered in blood. I won the race, of course. There wasn't really a prize. But there's not really a prize for Bake-Off either, is there?
Ever walked out of a film, before the end?
No - but I did once walk out of a magician at Edinburgh.
And I love magic! People hate it, but I think it's great. The tricks were good, but the act was sleazy; being a lech with volunteers. I hate that stuff. This is why people are terrified of audience interaction. Be nice to your audience!
What's your favourite shop, ever?
A kebab shop in Swansea. It's 24-hour! That's how you know it's a front for organised crime. Good kebabs, though.
Ever met a particularly great or awful famous person?
As a Welsh speaker, I basically get to meet every famous person working in my language. They're all great! Welsh-language celebrities are usually lovely. Your fans won't get starstruck - Welsh people don't understand the concept. They'll talk to you like you're old friends.
Sometimes people stop me on the street to say hello, ask how things are going - and I have to work out if this is a relative I've forgotten, or just someone who's seen me on TV.
Is there a book, album or show that changed your life?
So, so many. I love art so much. Queer As Folk is an obvious pick - I'm bisexual, and that show opened my eyes. Welsh-language band Eden's first album, which was the soundtrack to every triumph and heartbreak in my teens. Mostly the latter.
Derren Brown's Confessions of a Conjurer - a brilliant book about life, empathy, and performance. I'm currently having my life changed by The House in Fata Morgana, a visual novel about human connection in the face of horror.
Who are you most envious of?
I think if I was anyone else in the world, I'd be envious of ME. I've worked hard to give myself the kind of life I'd kill to have if I didn't have it.
Oh, wait, no, there's a Dr Who novel writer I'm jealous of. Cos he's rubbish but keeps getting work.
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