Australian comic Steen Raskopoulos is notorious for getting the audience to join him on stage in his hilarious improvised sketch shows. Even the most reluctant punters find him irresistible.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
It’s a solo sketch show called ‘Friendly Stranger’ and I guarantee by the end of it, we will no longer be strangers with one another… this sounds much more threatening written down.
What makes you laugh?
I think it’s one of the body’s emotional and physical responses to certain stimulation.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Characters. Improv. Audience.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them. They don’t call me Nerves of Steel Raskopoulos… No one calls me that… I wish they did.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
My first fringe, my friends and I had a picnic near the Meadows and a bird swooped down and took our entire chicken… so probably that again.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
I hope I put them in a better mood than when they walked in.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
I don’t… I don’t think you realise how low comedians’ self-esteems are.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
I think beause it allows you to have several mental break downs, it makes you question every life choice you’ve ever had, whilst losing money and then …. You still want to continue performing after it.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I have two kids under the age of two and a half so I refuse to answer this question.
Who is your showbiz idol and why?
Sara Pascoe, she’s tres talented and hot.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Probably if that same bird that ate the chicken was some performance artist and that’s their returning shtick every year.
Steen Raskopoulos: Friendly Stranger, Pleasance Courtyard, Venue 33, 4:50pm
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steen-raskopoulos-friendly-stranger
