By Hollie Harris
Comedian Akmal performs at The J next week with his hilarious new show, Transparent.
Paramedics will be on call to transport audience members to hospital – as their sides split from laughter!
Known for his ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way, Akmal promises to deliver a show that is punctual and jam-packed with words … some of which he will be using for the first time.
Akmal is by no means an ordinary comedian.
Movies, sketch, stand-up, TV appearances, radio DJ and talk show host, an improviser and a published author, Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected, successful and accomplished comics.
Originally immigrating to Australia from Egypt with his family nearly 30 years ago, Akmal sums up his past in his own inimitable style – “My parents didn’t tell us where we were going. We thought it was two hours away. Twenty hours later, we got off a plane and we were on another planet”. This, and many other bizarre incidents dot Akmal’s life – suggesting a career in stand-up comedy was pre-ordained, either that or he should have been committed early on.
His Arab heritage steers his comedy to issues of religion, honesty, and hysterical looks at modern day life. His uncanny comedic gift means he is one of those gifted comedians who has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand as soon as he walks on stage.
Akmal’s popularity has increased considerably over the last 10 years due to his regular appearances on national television shows such as Rove, The Glass House and “Thank God You’re Here”. As a result Akmal has toured the country with numerous sell-out tours including his “Hoot” and “Gullible” tours. Akmal wrote and starred in “All Aussies are Boofta” – a sketch comedy show which enjoyed three successful seasons and critical acclaim at the legendary Harold Park Hotel, the Parramatta Riverside Theatre and The Harbourside Brasserie.
He has appeared at festivals all around the world including the Adelaide Fringe Comedy Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival, Vancouver Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
One of Australia’s most respected and accomplished comics, Akmal draws on his Arabic heritage, his experiences immigrating to Australia at the age of 11, and his disillusionment with religion and the modern world to deliver a stand-up show that is fresh, honest and funny. Akmal may even mention one of the biggest mistakes of his life, when last year he agreed to appear on the reality TV show, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
As a stand-up he’s performed at festivals all around the world, including Edinburgh, and has been nominated for numerous awards including two Australian Comedy Awards, two Helpmann Awards (an award given for excellence in live performance), and an ARIA award for his DVD ‘Live and Uncensored.”
Akmal also released a Random House book about his journey coming from Egypt and his life living as an Arab stand-up comedian in Australia.
Lucky for us, he is coming to Noosa! This one is sure to sell out, so grab your tickets early to avoid dissapointment.
When: Friday 16 June 7.30pm
Where: The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
Tickets: Adult $46.90, concession $42.90 from www.thej.com.au
