• Am I getting older or are the comedians getting younger? Probably both I guess. When I was first impressed by Elliot Steel a couple of years ago he was doing autobiographical gags about underage drinking. That’s how young he is. Since then he has become old enough to drink legally and has become a sharper, more mature comedian while still retaining that mischievous scalliwag streak. It’s probably no surprise he is so skilful, his father is seasoned stand-up Mark Steel, so in a way he is going into the family business. Did he inherit the talent, did he learn it or was he taught it? Who can say? Never mind the nature/nurture bollocks, he’s funny and that’s what matters. 

  Elliot Steel is at the Soho Theatre with Netflix ’n’ Steel on November 15 & 16. Tickets here.

  1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?

• Usually I just look at my beer and start playing with the bottle, my favourite bit before any gig is the hit before you’re just about to go on so I try to enjoy it but in all honesty it’s just me looking at an empty beer bottle thinking “could you not of saved it for while you was on?”
• 2. What irritates you?
• I was going to try write something funny here but thought I’d try answer this interview as honestly as where I can. So what annoys me is people who don’t see a bigger picture to life. Mates who boast about drink driving or fighting like it’s something to be proud of has really started to annoy me in the last few years. Also Brighton and Hove Albion football club.
• 3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
• I’ve never done anything that dangerous. If mates tried to ever get me to do something I’d probably be the first to back out. So it’s probably walking with headphones on full blast, a few times I’ve nearly been hit by cars and that would have been it.
• 4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
• OK I’ve done loads of stupid things, I’m a fucking idiot so the only problem with this question is having to choose a story. When I was 16 I got my ear pierced against my dad's permission and was showing him how adult I was because I could do it without his permission. Long story short 2 weeks later my dad had to take me to A & E where they had to use a surgeon to get the earring out from where I’d bent it in such a weird angle. I’ve never seen a more disappointed look on his face than when I had to ask him to take me to hospital that day.
• 5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
• How nice and supportive most people are. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of other comics and I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m in some giant family and I’m the new baby so everyone is looking after me making sure I’m ok and that. Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t thinking everyone was horrible but comics are so kind to me with lifts and advice that it took me by surprise.

Interview continues here.