![Random 8 Random 8](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/misc/other/column_random_8.jpg)
Steffan Alun
![Steffan Alun Steffan Alun](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/people/900x450/s/steffan_alun.jpg)
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?
![Steffan Alun Steffan Alun](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/people/300/s/steffan_alun.jpg)
"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.
![Steffan Alun Steffan Alun](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/people/900x450/s/steffan_alun_b.jpg)
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!
![Steffan Alun Steffan Alun](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/people/900x450/s/steffan_alun_c.jpg)
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.
![Steffan Alun Steffan Alun](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/people/900x450/s/steffan_alun_d.jpg)
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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