All this month we are celebrating acts that you need to look out for in 2026. Today we speak to comedian Steffan Alun about the return to Edinburgh Fringe!
Hello tell us all about yourself?
Oh, hello! I’m Steffan Alun, I’m a standup comedian from Wales. I love creating comedy shows filled to the brim with big laughs – and over the years, it’s been fun talking about my own life as a married bisexual Welsh speaker. I recommend comedy as a career for anyone who loves spending 90% of their lives on trains.
How was 2025 for you?
For me personally, it was wonderful. Best year of my career, easily.
What were the top 3 highlights for you?
Ooh, great question!
Number 1, my debut hour at the Edinburgh Festival. I kept my expectations low – as a regional comic, you don’t expect to be on anyone’s radar. But I came away with incredible reviews, attention from national newspapers, an award! And a lost voice. I loved performing that show, and success in Edinburgh led to a national tour.
Number 2 – my birthday! My wife took us to a fancy hotel in Aberystwyth, our university town. We spent the week on steam trains, in escape rooms, and watching movies in the hotel room.
Number 3 – I starred in the Welsh-language comedy series Yr Academi Gomedi, where I became the headmaster of a school, taking funny 7-9-year-olds and training them to perform on stage. That shoot was incredible. Those kids were hilarious. And, like all comedians, impulsive and chaotic.
What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?
I’ve learned how much of a difference it makes to have a fanbase. Comedy can be tough, travelling the country for whatever comedy clubs will book you – but it becomes something so wonderful when you’re performing to your fans, who love what you do, and see themselves in your stories.
What are your plans for 2026?
The Edinburgh Fringe – Round Two! I’m determined to break the Difficult Second Album curse, and return with a show that’s even better than the first. Now I have to do that alongside touring the first show, so it’s a lot of work. But I’m excited.
What other shows are you looking forward to watching this year?
I’m really excited to see finished shows from Jake Baker and Ignacio Lopez, having loved early previews of their work. I’ve just seen that Leroy Brito’s announced a new show, and I love his comedy. I loved Cerys Bradley and Josh Elton in Edinburgh, and I’m excited to see what they do next. I’m hoping to catch Alice Fraser. So many shows!
What styles do you hope to see more of in comedy this year?
Great question! I want to see comedy grow, incorporating strengths from other art forms. Some of my all-time favourite shows have come from comics combining comedy with music, or poetry, or storytelling, or magic, and I love how much richer it makes the shows.
But also – I loved Aidan Jones’s show this year, about his love of Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major, and now I want to see EVERY comedian produce an hour about a work of art they adore.
Which comedian is your one to watch in 2026 and why?
I refuse to pick just one! I’m excited by Mel Owen, Joe Dehuai, Harri Dobbs, and Fflur Pierce – exciting Welsh comedians who bring something new to the table. Mel’s a prolific writer and hilarious performer. Joe has this wonderfully humble oddball approach that really makes me laugh. Harri’s an impish chaosmonger masquerading as a harmless lil boy. Fflur’s perspective as a queer autistic woman from North Wales has been a revelation since I first saw her last year.
Do you have any new years resolutions? If so, what are they?
I love New Year’s Resolutions! I make them SMART targets. This year, my plan is to film more of my comedy to put out online. And if I have time, to take down the American government.
Are you on social media? If so, how can people find out more about your troupe?
Website and mailing list: steffanalun.com
Instagram: @steffanalun
TikTok: @steffanalun
BlueSky: @steffanalun.bsky.com
Three words to explain why people should come and see you this year?
Fascinating, joyful comedy.
Welcome to The Phoenix Remix 