Interview: Nabil Abdulrashid on Comedy, London Haunts and Advice for Life
We caught up with Britain’s Got Talent star Nabil Abdulrashid to talk about his comedy ahead of his Edinburgh fringe show, The Purple Pill.
Nabil Abdulrashid: The Purple Pill | Pleasance Courtyard – Edinburgh | 2-14 & 16-27 August | From £7.50
Photos of Nabil by Matt Stronge
Tell us about your comedy and what it means to you.
My comedy is fuelled by all the things that annoy or confuse me, but also includes many happy memories. My culture holds the traditions of storytelling with a moral lesson very highly, and I see myself as someone who continues these oral traditions in my own way.
Who or what are your comic influences?
In no specific order.. Dick Gregory, George Carlin, Dave Chapelle, Eddie Griffin, Mort Sahl, Alexei Sayle, Bill Burr, Richard Pryor, Felix Dexter and Eddie Murphy.
What advice would you give to new comedians and performers at the start of their journey?
Focus on finding your own voice and being the best version of you. There’s nothing wrong with studying the greats, but remember that you aren’t them and your journey will be different. Also, you learn more by watching comedians perform badly than you do watching the best because the best make it look easy.
What are your favourite London haunts? (to eat, to relax, to be yourself)
To eat.. Rasa Sayang, Enish, Baba Foundation (Norbury), or Uncle Lim’s Kitchen in Croydon. However, I’m only ever truly relaxed and completely myself at home, invitations there however are limited.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.
