Eshaan Akbar’s debut stand up show ‘Not For Prophet’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Turret for the month of August so we caught up with him to get to know him a little better.
Eshaan Akbar by Steve Ullathorne
Please tell us about your brand of comedy.
My brand of comedy is friendly, accessible with a tendency to say unexpected things that make you laugh and think at the same time.
What can audiences expect from your new show?
They can expect my debut show! I explore what it means to be a privately educated, former banker, ex-Muslim and son of a Labourite and Thatcherite and that, maybe, we're all just as confused as each other in a world obsessed with definitions.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence since you decided this was your path?
It sounds cliche but every comedian - this life is not easy and the seemingly glamorous opportunities arrive after a lot - and I mean a lot - of tough journeys to places like Pontypridd, Shepherd Neame and Earls Barton (all lovely gigs but lonely journeys)
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
People falling over. Grammatical mistakes. Animals. Children. Politics. The England football team.
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far?
Best moment - warming up for Micky Flanagan. Worst moment - warming up for Micky Flanagan
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
There's such a wide variety of performances for comedians to express themselves and enough people there to find an audience who want you!
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
No one. I have my own show to focus on. I hope they get fewer people in the audience as I do.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
You're never as good as you think you are and never as bad as you think you are. And don't be an entitled piece of work - how nice you are off stage is often more important than how funny you are on it.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
A woman telling me a joke didn't make sense to her and as I re-told the joke and explained it, realised I got the critical genders mixed up. Gave me a new about gender fluidity though so...
What is next for you?
A desperately empty bank account post-Edinburgh and a mad rush to fill my diary with gigs that makes some sort of impact on it.
Eshaan Akbar’s debut stand up show ‘Not For Prophet’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Turret for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe