Simon Minty (right–hand–side of image), a renowned disability consultant, trainer, and familiar face from television, joined forces with stand–up comedian and photographer Steve Best (left–hand–side of image) in 2005 to create Abnormally Funny People. This dynamic duo, along with a talented line–up, will be at Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer.
How did Abnormally Funny People get started?
Steve: Simon and I have been friends since school. He focused on disability and workplace accessibility consultancy, while I was on the comedy scene. Sky TV approached Simon and we worked to put something together. The rest is history, as they say!
What has been Abnormally Funny People’s biggest achievement yet?
Simon: Simply that we still exist! It’s so easy for initiatives like this to fade away. Over the past 20 years, it’s been great for the disabled community. We have had a lot of comedians go through us and become famous and brilliant, such as Chris McCausland, Liz Carr and Rosie Jones.
How about personal achievements?
Steve: Professionally, I would say publishing my art book, Comedians, has been a highlight.
What is the best career advice you have been given?
Simon: Find what you’re good at, pursue it and work hard.
Who is your favourite comedian?
Simon: I’d say Norm Macdonald. His comedy is so scary, but it really makes me laugh. Another favourite is Jeff Arcuri.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Steve: It’s got to be to fly.
What is your dream career goal?
Steve: I would love to grow my YouTube channel, Steve Best Shoots, and eventually have my photography featured in Tate Britain. That would be incredible.
Who is your biggest source of inspiration in life?
Simon: I would have to say my parents, as they gave me a safety net, which allowed me to take risks – I have huge admiration for people who take risks without having a safety net.
Steve: On a similar note, I would say my mum. She was a free–spirited artist and really influenced me in who I am.
What’s your favourite thing to do when not working?
Steve: My wife constantly has a go at me because she never thinks I am working. The truth is, I genuinely love what I do so it rarely feels like work. When I’m not ‘working’, you’ll probably find me watching comedy, out on the streets with my camera, or just socialising with friends.
Simon: Steve and I hang out a lot, but we have to be careful not to let it always turn into work. I love watching theatre and I’m a bit embarrassed to admit but I am hooked on NCIS.
Do you have any secret talents?
Simon: I am very good at accents. I chat with my smart speaker in all sorts of voices, and try to cheat it. My favourite is a Northern English one.
Catch one of Abnormally Funny People’s shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (30 July–25 August). Tickets can be found on the Abnormally Funny People website.
