Interview with standup comedian Mustafa Algiyadi

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hiya! I am a Libyan Arab standup comedian based in Germany. I had different career stops along the way. I have an academic background and after pursuing a PhD in applied mathematics, I started working in Artificial Intelligence. Before doing my first standup set, I did improv theatre. I am not selling myself well here, ain't I? Maybe this will help, I have nice teeth!

How would you describe your show?

Almost Legal Alien is the culmination of my standup work in the last five years. I speak about how it was for me to grow up in Libya and my motivation to move to Europe, the cultural differences that I observe personally and those which I feel are imposed on me. Themes of belonging, identity and quest for a better passport. It is jam packed with punchy jokes, storytelling, we will do a group meditation and the audience helping me solve major belonging issues. Basically it is as funny as a Libyan gets. What more can one ask for!

What is your favourite part of your show?

There is usually a warming up phase in an hour to get the audience on board and on your side, and there is a point when you realise that you have actually won them over, that is the sweetest spot because you know at that point that it is going to be a fun show.

In terms of gags, I have several which are close to my heart, the one that I am usually looking forward to the most and anticipate the reaction of the audience is a group meditation. It is difficult to describe it, I guess you will have to be part of it! You know what I mean? I mean get tickets.

If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?

It would be "Changes" by David Bowie. The song's themes of transformation, identity, and adapting to new circumstances aligns with the show's narrative. The performance is impeccable and one can see that it is coming from a genius, similar could be said about Bowie in "Changes". JOKES!

Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?

The most important message is to have a good laugh. That said, I hope that the jokes and observations I share illustrate that our differences are not as vast as they may seem, we can find common ground and laugh together at the things that connect us.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe? What differentiates it from other festivals?

Performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a unique opportunity to gain recognition in the industry. Within a relatively short period, I could be reviewed by industry critics, and their feedback could help me with future opportunities, such as touring in the UK.

Moreover, the constructive feedback (hopefully) from these reviews will help me refine my comedy, improve my performance, and hone my jokes. The experience feels like earning a degree in stand-up comedy, as it involves navigating all aspects of the industry—marketing, PR, and dealing with venues and other performers. No other festival offers the same potential for recognition and comprehensive industry exposure as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, making it an unparalleled platform for my goals, particularly my ambition to tour the UK.

What do you hope to learn or achieve from your first Fringe experience, and how do you plan to apply it to your future work?

I hope to get my work exposed to industry critics and receive reviews that will help me build my reputation in the UK to be able to tour there. Additionally, I greatly appreciate the intense preparations for the Edinburgh Fringe. This experience is teaching me how to speak about myself, sell my show, and handle the various aspects of the business.

What would you say has been (potentially) the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given about taking a show to Edinburgh Fringe?

The most useful piece of advice I've received about taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe is to start preparing as far in advance as possible. They said there's a lot to manage, and you need all the time you can get. Well, despite trying to do that, it's still incredibly overwhelming, and I often feel like I'm way behind. Even with all the early prep, the sheer volume of things to handle makes it feel like you're always playing catch-up.

How do you plan to balance performing and exploring the vast array of other shows and events happening at the Fringe?

By trying to do as much as humanly possible! My philosophy will be to cram in everything I can. I don't want to miss out on anything, even though I know this probably isn't the smartest strategy. I'm banking on the idea that I'll find time to relax after the Fringe, but we'll see how that goes.

How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?

They had an immense impact. Growing up in Libya until I was twenty-five and then moving to Europe exposed me to vastly different cultures and mindsets, in which I have my own reference point to project into. This cultural blend gives my artistic expression a unique perspective that I think isn't over explored in Europe and often brings fresh, distinctive insights to my work.

Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?

My creative process usually begins with inspiration striking at unexpected moments rather than through deliberate brainstorming or awkward interactions in my daily lives where one can register that there is a joke hidden somewhere. When these ideas come to me, I immediately record or write them down. Later, during dedicated writing sessions, I develop these initial sparks into more structured bits.

Once I've fleshed out these ideas, I take them to the stage to test them on a live audience. I closely observe their reactions and refine the material based on their feedback, continuously tweaking and expanding the bits.

For my show at the Edinburgh Fringe, I compiled a collection of jokes I've worked on over the past few years. I then clustered these jokes into topics and found a thread to connect these clusters, creating the hour.

What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?

The interaction with the audience! I start my shows with crowd work, engaging with the audience and gathering stories/background information. I then weave these interactions into my actual bits, keeping the performance interactive and dynamic as much as possible. This approach not only keeps the audience engaged but also makes each performance feel fresh and new for me, even if I'm repeating the same show material wise. The unique energy and spontaneity of each audience make every show distinct in a way.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?

It's a long list, but one strange incident that stands out happened while I was performing in Amsterdam. An audience member stood up and interrupted the show, complaining that it was too cold. We were only five minutes from the end, so I suggested we power through. But she insisted, saying the window above me was letting cold air in, and that such things are not acceptable in the Netherlands. Despite my attempts to continue, she walked to the bar, fetched a staff member with a ladder, and had him close the small ceiling window, all while I was still performing with a ladder in the middle of my set.

What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?

The most unconventional venue I ever performed in was a boxing ring. It was surrounded by around two hundred people who had just watched a professional boxing match. Performing right after such an intense event, the energy in the room was electrifying. The audience, still hyped from the match, was on fire. They were so close to the stage, reacting as if there was another fight happening, but this time with laughter, even banging on the floor of the boxing ring and it was a vibration that I could physically feel. Totally wild!

Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?

Interestingly enough, my influences change over time, shifting with different periods in my life. But if I were to pick a name, I would choose Robin Williams, who has been a significant influence. His energy on stage and his ability to let his imagination run free on the spot is/was a major inspiration for me.

Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?

One piece of feedback that has stuck with me came from an audience member after a show. I was greeting people as they were leaving, and one person said, "It was great. I like how you're not afraid to look into the audience's eyes." It was a bit ironic that their main takeaway was my eye contact, rather than, you know, the actual comedy. It’s not exactly what a comedian hopes to be remembered for, but hey, I will take what I get.

Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?

I'm really excited to see Stamptown and The Kaye Hole. Both shows feature different acts. And they are wild! I also have a longer list of other shows that I wouldn't miss out on.

When and where can people see your show?