Steven Steen on Improv, Theater and Donald Trump's Hair

Punchline Comedy brings back the always rib-tickling talents of Whose Line Is It Anyway to three venues across the city. Expect plenty of improv hijinks as the UK’s Andy Smart, Stephen Frost, Steven Steen and Ian Coppinger build the show based on audience suggestions. We chat with Steven Steen about football, Lord Byron's small shoes and Donald Trump's hair.

Welcome back! How was your last China tour and how has the year been for you since your last visit? 
Well, for most of the year I have been preparing to get married to my gorgeous fiancée. By the time I come to China I shall be married. I'm looking forward to it. The other guys will be at the wedding, I hope they'll behave themselves.

The last time we talked, you joked about Donald Trump's hair. As a UK comedian, is it unbelievable that he is most likely going to be an American presidential candidate? And who is the British politician who has the worst hair?
Oh Donald, should I compare thee to a summer's day- hot and sweaty! He may be a buffoon, but if he ever gets the job that their best ever president will vacate, he'll be the world's most powerful buffoon.Does the world want Bobo the clown with his finger on the button? As for the British politician with the worst hair? It has to be Boris Johnson, soon to be ex London Mayor. I'm sure he wakes up with perfectly neat hair then messes it up for the tv cameras.  

How is Fulham doing this year? Does Leicester City's success this year make you optimistic or does it bum you out as a Fulham supporter?
Leicester City's success this season has been fantastic for the Premier League, I just wish Fulham could be as strong as a team, but we seem to aim for mid table mediocrity.

It's really interesting that you come from a theater background. Did you always have that comic sensibility and how did you move into improv?
Improvisation had it's roots in theatre long before comedy adopted it. I used to teach improv at a fringe theatre in London, but my first love was always performing. I'd miss that buzz if I couldn't do Improvisation. Most of the games you see on Whose Line are old theatre workshop exercises.

Is it true that you and Jim Sweeney wrote a parody of all the theater shows happening in London when you were still in college? If so, what was the project like and how was the reception?
It is true that we performed a cruel parody of the theatre shows that we had seen at the theatre we started our careers at, it went down a storm because their is nothing that other performers/ actors love more than seeing themselves on stage,even if they were being parodied. 

What was it like performing Lord Byron on Blackadder, and are you still involved in much acting?
The main thing I remember about playing Lord Byron were how small the shoes were. I was in agony every time I walked. The breeches were a bit tight too now I think about it. The proper theatre show other than with the guys was ten years ago at the National Theatre. It was called Theatre of Blood. Michael Gambon threw water bombs at us while we were getting ready for the show. 

Besides Whose Line Is It Anyway, do you have any additional projects going on? 
I'd like to promote my honeymoon in New York. It's still not too late to donate to it. Anything you can spare, really. I'm also talking to the writer-director of the Bill Bryson series of one man shows we did together, about other projects that we can do.  

Following the China tour, what are your plans? 
After China it'll be Ireland and the Kilkenny festival. That's fun and Glastonbury, of course. We play there every year. I love Ireland. 

Is there anything you would like to add? 
No. Can we eat now? 

May 26, 8pm, RMB290. Zapatas
May 27, 8pm, RMB290. The Exchange
Mary 28, 8pm, RMB290. Kerry Hotel Pudong