Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name's Elliot Steel and I'm a twenty-year-old stand up comedian who lives in South London, I've been doing comedy for four years now. I was kicked out of college so it was either enter showbiz or join the army.
How would you describe your show?
Funny, I just like my shows to be funny as possible while sticking to a loose theme, I'm twenty I have barely started my life so my show is more trying to make people laugh than to make you come away thinking "his points on capitalism are right we need a revolution immediately".
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I want to perform there because Edinburgh fringe is truly one of the most magical experiences in the world. You can't describe it only experience it. It's like trying to describe a colour, being part of it makes is an insane feeling. Seeing my poster up there with others is a feeling up there with finding twenty quid on the floor.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Well depends what festival, it's different to Glastonbury because by day three nobody has taken enough ketamine to kill a small rhino. It's the world's largest arts festival, like I said it's hard to describe but every year when I arrive it feels as if I never left. I don't know if you get the same feeling with the Buxton fringe
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
It's certainly now way more commercial than it once was, I think that just shows how popular it's become. Certainly there's good and bad in that however I try to avoid thinking about the constant changes and focus on my show.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
The world of comedy is always expanding, I'm very happy to be a miniscule part of it now. My inspirations change daily, one day it may be Seann Walsh the next Doug Stanhope.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I'd probably be unemployed, there's no way I could hold down a desk job. I'd go insane and end up being fired for throwing my computer out the window.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Apart from comedy, that's a tough one. I'd love to be goalkeeper for Crystal Palace or a fighter in the UFC however not knowing a thing about martial arts or goalkeeping really puts a restriction on achieving either of those.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
My first day at school. Couldn't tell you a thing what happened although I remember being introduced to the class.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
Depends, at the moment I have a bit talking about Mayweather v McGregor so suppose that's social commentary as it's fairly recent. I only talk about thing I can understand and interest me. I'm not going to talk about Syria because I don't understand what's happening there and the last thing I want to do is try and be an educator. We should leave that to teachers - my job's to make you laugh.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Unless the public sentiment is shifting massively towards hating anyone who is a lad then no I think I'll be just fine. Though you never know, if a non-gender militia seize power then I might have to update my set.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Jesus, we're only in July?
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Probably Vladimir Lenin and have him do my PR, that guy caused a revolution with no Whatsapp or Facebook invites. Imagine how good he'd be at getting people into my show.
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
Truth be told I'm not sure, there's benefits to both but I really like ticketed. When your name is on the sold out sign it's insane. I had a horrible time on the free fringe once and vowed I'd never do it again - however never say never in this game.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Just do it. Preview like hell and work hard. You'll be surprised at what each human is capable of, also remember that all you are is human so might as well make the most of it by taking something up to the fringe and seeing what happens.
When and where can people see your show?
I'm on at 8:15 at the Gilded Balloon Wee room and I'd be honoured to have you
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
On Twitter @elliotsteelcom facebook Elliot Steel and Instagram elliotsteel
Elliot Steel: Near Life Experience is performing at Gilded Balloon at 20:15 on 2nd - 27th (not 14th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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