"My main focus straight after the festival will be to get my sitcom pilot into production" The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is by far one of the most popular and excitable events to happen in the the comedy, theatre and arts annual calendar. Not only does it host established acts but it offers a unique opportunity for uprising talent to showcase their material and garner a wider audience whilst developing their underlying talent. Imran Yusuf became the first comedian to achieve the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nomination from the Free Festival in 2010 and the champion of the egalitarian revolution of the free scene. Here he shares his thoughts:- "Everyone is offended, everyone is a victim, no one is happy. Having made a career from challenging prejudice with witty rebuttals to humanise myself to my adopted countryfolk, I became bored of the assembly line nature of profiteering from victimisation. Is the problem of society really the right-wing media? Is it really the opportunistic demagogues seeking fame and fortune from the throngs of disaffected mouth-breathing underclass ignoramuses? Or is it the wanton disregard to take ownership of my own prejudices and admit that I have been as racist, sexist and homophobic as those I accuse of discriminating against me whilst screaming 'Woe is me, the pariah! I am not to blame; that is the fault of others whom serve me to overlook my own faults'. This is a no-nonsense show deeply cognisant of the shared human experience, of taking ownership of my own hypocrisy, realising that we become who we judge and accepting the bitter-sweet truth that from our tragic history has emerged an opportunity to embrace a greater potential. The Saint is all things Godly and good, The Sinner is all things devilish and bad. Between these two impostors, delicately oscillates the wandering, wondering path of masterful surrender…" Born in Kenya of Indian descent, Imran was raised in London by a family expelled from Uganda and yet became an original voice that embodies the multi-cultural wealth of modern Britain. After making his debut to critical acclaim and an award nomination in 2010, he went on to appear on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), completed two nationwide tours and fronted his own TV pilot The Imran Yusuf Show (BBC3) before starring as ‘Ed’ in sitcom Fried (BBC3) that began his entry into the acting world. In 2015, Imran hosted the first ever HaLOL comedy night which celebrates the growing talent of British Muslim comedy in the UK before becoming Director of HaLOL Entertainment, a role in which he aspires to create a more accessible road for minorities in the industry and to champion a more humanizing narrative amidst the sensationalist hysteria. GMA spoke to Imran to find out more about his choice of comedy topics, his forthcoming gig slot and his relentless travelling. VENUE: Studio - The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemason’s Hall, 96 George St, EH2 3DH TIME: 5:30pm DATES & PRICES: Thurs 2nd- Sun 26th August @ £10-£8 DAYS OFF: Mon 6th, Mon 13th, Tues 14th August TICKETS: 0131 558 9005 / www.thestand.co.uk _____________ So Imran, how does it feel to be appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival once again? "I’m excited to do a full run again with a brand new show. As I’ve grown up, I now know how best to navigate the tempestuous emotional roller-coaster that the festival can be. I’m going up this year with a better balanced internal game so that I can endure it all and still thrive." What for you makes the festival special? Aside from your gig will you be checking out other performers? "It’s a bizarre world of dreams and art, just walking around the city for a month in this bubble of performances is a weird experience. I’m keen to see Gamarjobat, I love what they do. No doubt I’ll find some gems too from random encounters." Back in 2010 you performed on 'Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow', what was it like performing in the presence of McIntyre himself? How were you approached for it? "Michael was really kind and encouraging. I never thought that someone like me would ever be considered for a show like that, and whilst just hustling for club work I was seen hosting a small gig and off the back of it I was offered an audition." You’ve travelled the world quite a bit since birth - UK & USA most recently, would it be fair to say that comedy has reached greater international heights over the last few decades? "English speaking stand up is booming in India, Malaysia and Singapore and their scenes are becoming bonkers now. South Africa is another country where stand-up is booming. It’s fascinating watching local comics satirise their lives and politics with such passion rooted in both privilege and apartheid. I’ve heard the scene in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, is exciting now, although that’s one place I’ve yet to visit." Being a Muslim, is it a bit touchy to pick Islamophobia and racism as topics for your stand-up routine? "A real stand up talks about what they know. Although I face prejudices in my life, I am also privileged in many ways too. My new show explores both my challenges and privileges." Do you have fellow Muslims comment on your material? Any negative criticisms (from anyone)? "Most Muslims like what I do, a few don’t. Some people write comments on my YouTube channel but I rarely have time to read them as I’m busy living my life and developing the next project." Aside from the Fringe, what are your plans for the year ahead? "After the festival, I’ll prep a tour for 2019, but my main focus straight after the festival will be to get my sitcom pilot into production. I want to make my sitcom and short films over the next couple of years and so am learning how to write, direct and produce by going through the process by collaborating with film-making friends." Imran Yusuf is at the stand Newtown Theatre, 5:30pm, throughout August. http://www.imranyusuf.com / TWITTER: @imranyusuf / INSTAGRAM: @imranyusufcomedy
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