Dixie Park
Port Douglas
Movies, Sketch, Stand-Up, TV appearances, radio DJ and talk show host, improvisation and a published author, Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected, successful and accomplished comics.
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 and 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.
His Arab heritage steers his comedy to issues of religion, honesty, hysterical looks at modern day life. His uncanny comedic gift means he is one of those gifted comedians who has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand as soon as he walks on stage. He displays an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and non-offensive way.
He has appeared at Festivals all around the world including Adelaide Fringe Comedy Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival, Vancouver Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He has been nominated for numerous awards including Two Australian Comedy Awards, two Helpmann Awards (an award given for excellent in live performance), and an ARIA award (Australian Record Industry Award) for his DVD ’Live and Uncensored”
Akmal’s strength is his stream-of-consciousness ramblings and his interaction with the audience” The Age, Melbourne
“(Akmal) is an explosion of laughter and entertainment.” Telegraph Mirror
“The Egyptian – born Saleh has a quick wit and extremely warm persona on stage, his informal banter with the audience makes you feel immediately at ease.” Sydney Morning Herald
