Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
STEFFAN ALUN: WINDOWS is a high-energy standup comedy show about the way we work out how to be human. I’m bisexual, and lots of people over the years have told me they’re not sure about their own sexuality. And that got me thinking about everything else that makes us uncertain – from childhood memories to Stranger Things, from pub quizzes to the Wetherspoons app.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I have a wonderful production team around me, but the creative process is all mine. These are my words, my jokes, my observations, my ideas. The joy of standup comedy is that I work every night with the funniest people in the country – so they might have ideas to sharpen the jokes. But fundamentally, I have no writers, no creative team.
The process started in September. I’d just won the Pegasus Award for Best Newcomer 2025, so I was determined to return to the Fringe to prove I wasn’t a one-trick pony. I wrote and wrote and wrote! Tried out the new jokes and stories at small new material gigs, then took the best bits and developed them.
By February, I had an hour of material, and by April I had an hour of material I didn’t hate! Then I started performing the full hour at previews, using the opportunity to work out the best order for the stories, and working out how to make sure audiences follow the philosophy as well as the humour.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I’m so excited! We complain about the costs and the energy required for August, but it’s the best fun in the world. I can’t wait to see new shows and old friends. I can’t wait to spend the month claiming I’ll climb Arthur’s Seat at some point. I can’t wait to not actually get round to climbing Arthur’s Seat. And I can’t wait to share my new show!
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
I’m not the only Welsh comedian at the festival, I’m not the only bisexual, I’m not the only person of my age or social class or level of education.
But.
I’m obsessed with standup, and I’m obsessive about pushing it forward. I’ve seen so much standup, and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have something brand-new to explore.
So much comedy is about identity. Jokes about where you’re from, your relationship status, your gender. But how often do we stop and think about what those identities mean? How do we work out who we are? And why should anyone care?
These are questions I started asking myself a long time ago, and I finally have my answer.
But also – this is proper, full-blooded comedy. You’ll laugh until you cry. I promise there’ll be jokes you remember forever.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
I’m a Welsh speaker who learnt English in school. I’m bisexual, but didn’t come out until my late 20s. I’m certain I’m neurodivergent, even though Buzzfeed quizzes regularly tell me I’m not. I’m disabled, but not to the point I can’t manage Edinburgh’s hills.
Point is, there are many things about me that should make me feel anxious or insecure. And I don’t! I’m brilliant! And so is everyone else.
The Fringe has some brilliant shows about trauma and darkness. I’ve never been able to do that. My optimism and joy overwhelms every show.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope they’ll come away with permission to feel happier and more confident in who they are. Isn’t that the point of standup? A comedian tells you their experiences, and you realise they’re also your experiences.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Honestly, I’ve trained myself to perform to anyone. But really, the perfect audience is playful, curious, thoughtful. A mix of introverts and extroverts. A mix of different ages, genders, everything. The more varied the audience, the more fun comedy becomes.
And who do I NOT want to be there? The guy who’s going to hang around afterwards to recommend cryptocurrency. Which has happened more than once. Am I giving off a bitcoin vibe? Yuk.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I recommend Ignacio Lopez, Cerys Bradley, Jake Baker, Phil Cooper, June Tuesday, Adele Cliff, Robyn Perkins, Will Davies, Dave Chawner – argh, so many!
Oh, and come to Comedians Play Videogames and 2 Truths 1 Lie – the perfect game shows for people scared of crowd work. I host almost all of them, and even if they’re technically work, I find them so relaxing.
Steffan Alun: Windows will run at Venue 108, Hoot 4 at Hoots @ The Apex
Runs: August 7th – August 31st at 18:15pm
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’