Akmal Saleh is a breath of fresh air. Small, unassuming, Egyptian born Saleh is both unpretentious and uncompromising.
A decade ago when two planes flew into the twin towers and Saleh joked how hard it was for Arabic people to get pilot’s licences now, he was instantly catapulted to fame as our Aussie Arab.
Saleh has a warmth that heats a room.
This accomplished performer is in demand for Movies, Sketches, Stand-Up, TV appear-ances, radio DJ and talk show host, improvisation and is a published author. Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected, successful and accomplished comics. He displays an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and non-offensive way.
He’s beem a regular on Good News Week, was a favourite guest on Thank God You’re Here, Rove and The Glass.
As Australia’s best-known Arabic comic, Akmal is constantly in demand.
Akmal has 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. 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…
Akmal has toured the country with numerous sell-out tours including his “Hoot” and “Gullible” tours. Akmal wrote and starred in “All Aussies are Boofta” – a sketch comedy show which enjoyed three successful seasons and critical acclaim at the legendary Harold Park Hotel, the Parramatta Riverside Theatre and The Harbourside Brasserie.
He has appeared at Festivals all around the world including Adelaide Fringe Comedy Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, Vancouver Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He’s wrote and starred in the feature film “You Can’t Stop the Murders” to critical acclaim and also the cult hit TV show “The 50 Foot Show”. As a result of this, he then hosted the popular “The Wrong Way Home” National drive radio show on the Nova Network.
The show achieved the station’s highest ever drive ratings. His passion for stand-up comedy got too much and he returned to the stage with his national sell-out tour, “Live and Uncensored”. He released this show for his first DVD release and the DVD has subsequently achieved Platinum status in Australia.
Akmal Saleh appears with RAW 2007 finalist Ellen Briggs and MC Mandy Nolan at Cabarita Beach Sports Club on Saturday October 22 for a very special night of laughs at Cabba Comedy.
WHO: Akmal Saleh
WHERE: Cabarita Beach Sports Club
WHEN: Saturday, October 22
Interested?: Show kicks off at 8.30pm. Tix are $25 and can be purchased at the club or booked on 02 6676 1135
