Eshaan Akbar’s new stand up show ‘Prophet Like It Hot’ will be on at the Gilded Balloon – Balcony during the month of August.
- What is your Fringe show about?
Prophet Like It's Hot is a show about society's relationship with faith and, in particular, it's understanding of the Qur'An. I take a copy of the Qur'An on stage, demystify some myths people have about Islam, talk about some of the unsurprisingly ridiculous bits of it (given it's a 7th century AND religious text) and explore whether there's a place for faith in modern society.
- How many times/many years have you appeared at the Fringe?
This is my second hour-long show, following my sellout debut run last year. I was also here in 2016, performing at CKP's Lunchtime Special and my own compilation, Eshaan Akbar and Friends. In 2014, I was in the So You Think You're Funny Final.
- What’s your most memorable moment from the Fringe?
Any moment I was sober.
But in particular the one time a 20-year-old Arts student told me I was glorifying porn because I had a story in my show about buying porn on my dad's credit card as a 15-year-old. And the time a lesbian girl from Kuwait, who now lives in Germany, cried and told me my show gave her hope to tell her parents she no longer believes in Islam. She told me she'd let me know how it went, but I've not heard from so…no news is good news, right?!
- What’s the worst thing about the Fringe?
Other comedians. And the lack of vegetables.
- If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
Saying things like “let's turn the tap off for a second" in a meeting room somewhere in the city or its derivations.
- How do you prepare for a performance?
I like taking 5-10 minutes away to just let my brain become silent. I do this by literally taking off my hearing aid.
- Favourite thing about being in Edinburgh?
Other comedians. And the lack of vegetables.
- What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve ever done?
Chosen to remain living with my dad despite having an opportunity to be wholly independent and then later watch him burn all my inheritance because he's having an existential crisis as he approaches retirement.
- Favourite Scottish food/drink?
I do like haggis but not on pizza. Whisky (obviously). Irn bru.
- Sum up your show in three words
Getting me killed.
Show summary
Following his sell-out run in 2017, Akbar returns armed with a copy of the Qur’An in hand. It’s a much funnier book than people give it credit for. Akbar's own journey tells him that faith still has a place in modern society.
Eshaan Akbar’s new stand up show ‘Prophet Like It Hot’ will be at the Gilded Balloon – Balcony at 2.45pm during August for tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com
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