It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!

Mustafa Algiyadi: Almost Legal Alien

Location:   Just The Tonic Nucleus – Just The Sub-Atomic Room (Venue 393)

Dates: Aug 1st-11th, 13th -25th

Time: 16:30

Price: £7

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mustafa-algiyadi-almost-legal-alien

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

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 selling myself well here, ain’t I? Maybe this will help, I have nice teeth.

Tell us all about your show!

Almost Legal Alien is the culmination of my standup work in the last 5 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 are addressed. It is jam packed with punchy jokes and storytelling. We will do group meditation and the audience will help me solve major belonging issues. Basically it is as funny as a Libyan gets. What more can one ask for!

How did you come up with the name of your show that your taking to the fringe?

Alien is a reference to how third country nationals are referred to formally, the word itself is funny, as it’s usually associated with extraterrestrial aliens, which at times indeed feels the case to me. The “Almost Legal” part is to reflect that even though I’m in Europe legally, it always seems like one step behind from reaching that.

The real story though is that a friend of mine suggested “Legal Alien” based on the content, and another one suggested adding “Almost”. 

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

Lara Ricote

Mike Rice

Janine Harouni

Chloe Petts

Natalie Palamides

Patti Harrison

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe. 

I have done a short WIP run. 

• Plan far ahead in advance! Somehow it feels like the sky’s the limit to what you can do and prepare for the Fringe. And most important, there isn’t much time to take care of everything during the Fringe
• Plan a small WIP before bringing a complete show. The magnitude of the Fringe and the competition is very difficult to anticipate if one hasn’t seen it first hand.

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe

• Snooze the alarm a few times
• Check social media, possible reviews and if I have gone viral (still not!)
• Haggis and Coffee please
• Work on edits for the show from the night before
• Flyering, coffee, admin, coffee
• Check if I have gone viral (not yet!)
• Watch as many shows as possible
• Flyering, coffee, admin, coffee
• Watch as many shows as possible
• Bed
• Ah, in between I’d need to perform

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?

Not to take yourself too seriously. There is so much going on and things can always be better. So try to take it easy and make the best of what is available.

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe? 

Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food, they are the best!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The immense amount of great shows and acts that one can have access to from all corners of the world. One should feel very lucky to be in such an event.

Top tips for traveling around the Fringe and getting to shows on time?

Intuitively I would have said wide shoulders. Unfortunately that didn’t work well for me last time. I am thinking of getting a scooter this time. 

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?

Four-leaf clover, Horseshoe and a Ladybug in a pouch.

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

You need to have a conversation with the people one is flyering to, otherwise it doesn’t work.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

Instagram, I am a millennial!

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show? 

Only Libyan Performer