“Despite hearing that EdFringe was much bigger than the Brighton Fringe, which I had previously experienced, I couldn’t truly grasp how vast it was until I got there.”
WHO: Mustafa Algiyadi
WHAT: “Libyan Arab stand-up Mustafa Algiyadi – **** (The Voice) – longs to be part of the European way of life but is confronted with some cultural differences that make it confusing, chaotic and sometimes highly inappropriate! If you’re up for picking apart bad habits, religion, meditation, velvet sofas and for learning how to deal with annoying people, then why are you not booking your ticket already?!? ‘A warm and engaging comic’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Hilarious storytelling’ (ThePlaysTheThingUK.com). Approach ducks with caution.”
WHERE: Just the Tonic Nucleus – Just the Sub-Atomic Room (Venue 393)
WHEN: 16:30 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Yes, this is my first time debuting my solo hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, but I have been to the Fringe before. Last year, I performed a work-in-progress for about a week. While that was an incredible experience, this year marks my first full run with a debut hour.
The atmosphere last year was indescribable. It felt like being in a unique bubble where nothing outside mattered. I was constantly surrounded by creativity, witnessing the amazing work people put forth, which was incredibly inspiring. However, the work-in-progress run was challenging because I hadn’t anticipated the magnitude of the Edinburgh Fringe. Despite hearing that it was much bigger than the Brighton Fringe, which I had previously experienced, I couldn’t truly grasp how vast it was until I got there.
I had a memorable and challenging experience performing for just one audience member, turning it into an intimate conversation over a beer. That showed me how much preparation the Fringe requires. After that run, I realized the need for extensive preparation. I started getting ready back in November and have been continuously working on it. Now, with the festival approaching, it feels like there’s never enough time to finish everything.
Additionally, there was a time when I tried to visit a friend in Edinburgh for her wedding, but I was rejected entry and deported from the UK. This is one of the stories I will be sharing in my show.
The Edinburgh Fringe is unique because of its scale and the sheer energy it demands. The more effort and time you invest, the more rewarding it becomes. There’s no simple checklist to complete; you can always add more to enhance the experience. I’m extremely excited about this journey.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
As I mentioned earlier, preparation is key, and I made sure to start early so I wouldn’t leave things to the last minute. Yet, it always feels like there’s more to do.
Another significant lesson is the importance of a strong storyline. Seeing how crucial it is in various shows at the Edinburgh Fringe inspired me to incorporate a compelling narrative into my own show. Ensuring there’s a captivating thread for the audience to follow has been a major focus, and I’m still working on perfecting that.
Tell us about your show.
I wrote and produced the show myself. The premiere will be at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. I’ve done various work-in-progress performances at the Brighton Fringe this year and a few previews in Malta and Munich. I also have two more previews coming up in London right before the Fringe.
I’m planning to tour with the show and am already organizing a tour for autumn and winter across Europe. I will be visiting major cities like Amsterdam, Zurich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and many others across the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
During the Edinburgh Fringe, I’m hoping to connect with an industry partner that can help me organise a UK tour. Since I’m not based in the UK, I need support to navigate this process. Touring the UK in 2025, perhaps between winter and spring, would be a dream. So, if anyone reading this can help, please reach out!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Oh my god, I have such a long list of recommendations! But if I were to choose a few, I’d start with two of the most mind-boggling and exciting shows I’ve seen at the Fringe. First is Stamptown, a variety show that features different acts, including clowns and sketches, not just classical stand-up comedy. It’s a wonderful comedy show with a host who does a bit of anti-comedy, and the acts are just fantastic.
The second show is The Kaye Hole Hosted by Reuben Kaye. This is a queer-oriented variety show with Ruben Kaye larger-than-life persona as the host. His performance is a blend of singing, stand-up, and cabaret, and it’s incredible to see the creative energy he brings to the stage. The acts in this show are also outstanding.
One of the acts that often features in both these variety shows is Natalie Palamedis, a clown from LA. She’s bringing her show WEER to the Edinburgh Fringe this year, and I highly recommend seeing her. She’s off her mind in the best way imaginable, and it’s a treat to watch her perform live.
I’m also looking forward to seeing Lara Ricote’s new show, Little Tiny Wet Show (Baptism). I saw her work-in-progress last year, and it was very funny, so I’m excited to see the final version. Another performer I’m excited about is Chloe Petts. Her work-in-progress at the Brighton Fringe was hilarious, and I can’t wait to see the finished show.
Janine Harouni is another must-see. If you haven’t seen her, you have to go. She’s bringing Manoushe, the show that was nominated last year. She performed it while pregnant, and although I missed the final show, I saw two work-in-progress performances, and they were amazing and hilarious.
I’m also excited to see Kanan Gill, an Indian comedian with a special on YouTube. He’s incredibly precise with his words, and every line feels carefully crafted. His new show at the Fringe is something I’m really looking forward to.
Additionally, I highly recommend Mike Rice, an Irish comedian who is very, very funny. I saw two of his shows last year, and he is bringing a new hour this year, and I would highly recommend seeing him.
There are so many other acts I’m interested in, but these are some of the highlights.
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