INTERVIEW: Irish Comedian Dan Stephens Brings Dry Wit & Mullet Mayhem to the Edinburgh Fringe 2025
- Michael Porter
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
INTRODUCTION – by Michael Porter
I remember what it was like starting out in comedy—raw optimism, nerves, and this mad idea that maybe making strangers laugh could be a career. It’s rare to spot someone early on who already feels like they’ve got a voice, but Dan Stephens has exactly that.
We’ve gigged together a few times now, and I can safely say he’s got something special: a dry, sarcastic playfulness that only an Irish comedian could pull off without sounding like a gobshite. He’s got that Dublin bite mixed with a storyteller's charm—funny, unpredictable, and sharp as a tack.
Dan’s Edinburgh Fringe show this year, M.W.A. (Mullets With Attitude), is properly funny. So funny, in fact, I’m actually planning to go see it—and if you know me, you’ll know I don’t go to comedy shows. Ever. That should tell you something.
Here's a quickfire comedy interview with Dan. He’s one to watch.
you can also catch Dan at The Comedy Cellar.
Comedian Interview – Dan Stephens
1. Let’s kick off – who are you and where are you from?
Dan Stephens. From Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland.
2. What first got you into comedy? Was it a moment, a meltdown, or just madness?
I watched a BBC Four gig from The Stand in Newcastle in 2021 and thought, “I’m funnier than them – I could try that.”
3. Who were your early comedy influences – the people who made you think, ‘I can do this’?
Always my family—especially my dad and late brother. Humour and slagging were our currency. I’ve also always admired the courage it takes to do stand-up.
4. Describe your first gig – how bad was it? Or were you one of those annoying naturals?
It was an open mic on Baggot Street, Dublin—five minutes of storytelling with one punchline at the very end. It didn’t exactly kill.
5. What’s been your best gig moment so far – the one that reminded you why you do this?
Performing at a resort in Sebastian, Florida, supporting a big U.S. comic in front of 200 people. Everything clicked. Felt like magic.
6. And your worst? The one you still wake up sweating about?
Show Me The Funny competition in Galway, February 2023. I was five months into comedy and it was brutal. I brought a date—she left after my set.
7. How would you describe your style of comedy for someone who’s never seen you before?
Self-deprecating storytelling with a love of the ridiculous. Unpredictable—no one knows what the next sentence will be, including me.
8. What’s your writing process like – notes on your phone, full scripts, or winging it on stage?
Voice notes on my phone → typed out on A4 → handwritten into a notebook → tested live on stage.
9. Do you think comedy is changing? Are things getting too safe or too sensitive?
That phase seems to be ending. I think anything can be funny if the comedian has the skill. I hate when comedians start preaching politics—just tell jokes.
10. What’s the biggest challenge comedians are facing right now?
No matter how funny or hardworking you are, success is tied to your online following. Graft is often ignored in favour of clicks.
11. Tell us about your Edinburgh Fringe show – what’s it called, what’s it about, and why should people come see it?It’s called M.W.A. (Mullets With Attitude).
It’s me and my fellow mullet-headed mate Rob Nother doing a split show—Gen Z Mullet vs Millennial Mullet. Two different comedy styles in one hour of madness. We’re on every night at The Wee Room at The Caves / Just The Tonic for the full Edinburgh Fringe run.
12. Finally – where can people find you online or in the pub?
Catch me on Instagram and TikTok at @danstephens.comedy—or flyering around Cowgate dressed like Ice Cube with tunes pumping from my speaker.
sign up for our news letter so you don't miss out on exculsive content, i'll be back tomorrow with more Edinburgh Fringe interviews, until then why not catch the Legendary Vlad Mc Tavish & Paul Mc Daniel at The Comedy Cellar this weekend. Ticket for tonight below
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