Big Laugh Comedy Festival and A-List Entertainment present Akmal

One of Australia’s most respected, successful and in demand comics, Akmal displays an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and non-offensive way, as he touches on issues such as religion, terrorism and hysterical looks at modern day life in Australia.

Akmal returns with Joel Ozborn in his new, topical stand up comedy tackling topics such as the Cronulla race riots, the new Pope Benedict XVI, Reality Shows and of course some of his classic routines, which have made him an in-demand, regular guest on such TV shows as Rove LIVE, The Glass House and In Siberia Tonight. Incorporating hilarious observational sketches with dynamic multimedia slides and video, Akmal is not to be missed.

"No one wanted the show to stop…" - Lenny Ann Low, Sydney Morning Herald
"Akmal Saleh stole the show …receiving the most applause of the night." – The Advertiser

Akmal has had a fascinating past, originally immigrating to Australia from Egypt with his family nearly 30 years ago. He sums it up in his own inimitable style: "My parents didn’t tell us where we were going. We thought it was two hours away, like Alexandria. Twenty hours later, we got off a plane. We were on another planet”. This and many other bizarre incidents dot Akmal’s life – suggesting a career in stand-up comedy was pre-ordained, either that or he should have been committed early on.

Growing up in a typical Sydney suburb, Akmal began to recognize the difference between his Arab heritage and the Australian way of life, which would later shape him as a comedian. After only a few years, Akmal became one of the most sought after acts, touring with International Comedians such as Steven Wright, Ben Elton and the Amazing Jonathan.

In 1992, Akmal teamed up with fellow comedians Anthony Mir and Gary Eck to co-write and star in All Aussies are Boofta – a sketch comedy show which enjoyed successful runs and rave reviews. Their next show ‘Bound and Gagged’ once again received rave reviews. Their third award-winning show ‘Hoot’, enjoyed a successful run at the 1996 Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival and was subsequently invited to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The comedy trio then went on to create their own TV Series ‘The 50 Feet Show’ which aired on the Comedy Channel. Akmal co-wrote and starred in the feature film You Can’t Stop the Murders.

Akmal will be joined by fellow comedian Joel Ozborn who has toured extensively with him, both nationally and internationally over the last two years. Together they have built a strong dynamic chemistry onstage, which is evident in their improvised audience Q&A promising something different every night.