Hello Andy, so where ya from & where ya at, geographically speaking?
Andy : I am currently living in Farnham in Surrey, which is also where I am from. I moved back there from London when we were going to have a baby.

When did you first realise you were, well, funny?
I’ve always been a cheeky git, and I think that playfulness is important in comedy. One of my teachers genuinely write in a school report that “Andy is a wit. Or at least he thinks he is.” That says it all really!

Who are your comedy idols?
I’ve generally always been more of a sitcom fan than of stand-up. John Sullivan who wrote Only Fools & Horses is my favourite writer, a briliantly bittersweet tone to everything he does. In terms of stand-ups, I like the best one-liner guys and I am a fan of Neil Hamburger, although he is actually appalling at the same time.

You incorporate a guitar into your performance, what’s the back story?
Andy : I’m a singer/songwriter, was full-time for a number of years and always enjoyed the bits in between songs where I chatted to the crowd and indulged in some gentle banter. I love writing songs, and so it seemed a natural progression when I wanted to try comedy.

What does Andy Stedman like to do when he’s not being entertaining?
Andy : Well apart from being a new dad to the relentless Freddie, I have always loved football and cricket. I am a massive music fan, and an Elvis nut. Freddie’s middle name is Elvis. I also like poker, and I run a dodgeball business which is a nice way to help build up the comedy career financially. Don’t give up the day job they say…

What is it about performing live you love the most?
Andy : I love the immediate reaction of an audience. Connecting with people. i don’t have a script at all, although I know what i am generally going to say and have edited it down a lot. I really like people generally, which is why i also do a fair bit of MCing, It’s just a lot of fun when something genuinely happens in the room.

You are relatively fresh-faced to the comedy circle, a couple of years right? How has the learning curve been?
Andy : I try very hard to learn from every gig I do, and by talking to and watching other acts. My first gig was Dec 2015, so I am a comedy baby really, but having done years of being the frontman in a band or solo I at least was used to being on stage and knew I loved the buzz of that. There’s lots to learn but I am very ambitious so I try to do everything quicker than everyone else!

You are bringing your show Parental Guidance to the Fringe this August, can you tell us about it?
Andy : It’s me doing an hour of life tips for Freddie, essentially. I do songs, jokes, some audience stuff. It’s silly but also I hope there’s some moving aspects to it as well. I think anyone can come, it’s not limited to parents and peopel who want to be parents.

Can you sum up your show in a single sentence?
Andy : New dad has no idea what to do now he has a son who he is expected to bring up and give guidance to!

What does the rest of 2017 hold in store for Andy Stedman?
Andy : Comedy-wise, I want to keep playing as many good clubs on the circuit as I can, maybe get a good agent – who knows. Outside of comedy, dad stuff and maybe the occasional poker…

You can catch Andy @ The Edinburgh Fringe

Aug 3-13, 15-27 : The Counting House (14.20)