The Mail spoke to Akmal ahead of his show at the York on Lilydale in Mount Evelyn on Friday 23 August.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a Swedish burns victim.
I have unusually small nipples.
What would your last meal be?
My last meal would be molokhia, which is an Egyptian green soup that is slimy and looks like snot, but if you don’t let that or the smell or the taste put you off, then give it a go you’ll be glad it’s the last thing you’ll ever eat.
What drew you to a career in comedy?
I actually thought of joining the circus first – interesting people, free food, free travel, the job sounded great.
But the ringmaster wanted a more personal arrangement with me as part of the job – they really should have put that as part of the job ad.
When he said I’d be part of the family I didn’t think he meant that close.
So I went for another career where I’d only have to work two hours a day and would have less people hitting on me – comedy was perfect.
I started going to the Comedy Store in Sydney every Tuesday and was fascinated by the comics, and eventually I got the courage to get up.
After that first gig it took me about six months to perform again and then I was hooked.
What event, past, present or future, would you like to witness?
I would love to go back at the time of my birth, because (this is true) I came out arse-first, and that would be cool to see.
Also I can cheer on Mum saying: “Go, Mum, go, I’m almost out, you can see the arse!”
What is your favourite television show?
Definitely not I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! or Selling Houses Australia.
It is no coincidence that I appeared on both of these shows.
What three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?
I would like to invite all the judges on MasterChef and feed them copious amounts of molikhia.
How does playing smaller shows in the suburbs compare to the big capital city gigs?
Smaller shows are the best because I hate money and the less people that see me, the better.
What has been your most memorable moment?
I’ve completely forgot my most memorable moment but as soon as I remember, I will get in touch.
Why should people get along to this latest tour?
I’ll try to keep things random as it keeps the show fresh, so no two shows are ever the same.
