It’s inspiring to see established comedians performing at the Fringe Festival, who are really embracing the spirit of the Fringe. Rather than give us safe, standard, stock in trade stand up that would be more suitable at a comedy festival, they are having a go at trying something outside their comfort zone. Akmal made it clear at the beginning that this was not going to be his usual stand up show. He was in the middle of writing an autobiography and was going to sound out material for it with us. So rather than a string of set ups and punchlines, it was a series of stories, with the laughs coming out of his experiences, there was also some deftly handled tragedy and a few jokes thrown in for good measure. When he added his own punchline to an already amusing story, he said “That last bit was bullshit, I’ll tell you when I’m bullshitting”. Nice, thanks mate.
Akmal Saleh is a charming and endearing comedian, I must say I’ve only seen him on TV before, usually as the naughty, playful guest on Good News Week. His cheekiness was ever present in this show, but it was the surprising raw honesty that really impressed. His Egyptian beginnings gave it an exotic edge and his skillful storytelling kept the audience completely engrossed. Mostly, his story was as Australian as they come, a story of migration, trying to fit in and becoming so Australian that his family became racist against newer migrants. Akmal may not have been a brilliant scholar but, despite his poor public education, he has proved to be a very perceptive and intelligent person, which of course makes the best kind of comedian.
The title of the show ‘It’s not my fault’ referred to the show’s content about the forces that made Akmal what he is today. The show was a series of stories, about family, religion, school, moving to an alien world, and growing up, told chronologically. He nearly burst with enthusiasm trying to convey their humour and significance. There were big gaps between the stories that I wanted him to fill, but I will probably have to get his book! He ended with a recent funny gig story that made the Queenslanders next to me nearly froth at the mouth with hysteria but I felt could possibly have been left for another show, as it didn’t really fit in with his previous stories. All the show really needed was a way to tie it all up. Not easy I ‘spose, when you you are looking at your own life, but as he prefaced it, this show was a bit of a workshopping process for him and hopefully he will get there. Even if you think that Akmal might not be your sort of comedian check this lovely show out. I highly recommend it.
For more info and booking details go to the Melbourne Fringe Festival website