Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Bilal Zafar: ‘I have a lot of experience with ups and downs at the festival’

Bilal Zafar returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a compelling and jaw-dropping story from the week before his wedding – when his housemate suddenly began to believe he worked for MI5.

Fortunately, he made it through attempts to get him arrested five times in two days to put together another hour of stand-up and storytelling for the festival.

In 2020, Bilal became a Twitch star as he created an online, improvised, immersive surreal comedy series about an unhinged football manager that built a large loyal fanbase.

He has also appeared in Paul Feig’s film Last Christmas acting alongside Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke.

How are you feeling ahead of the Fringe?

Very excited. I feel like I’ve improved so much as a comedian and storyteller and that my show tells a great story. I also feel like it may be my last one for a while because of costs so I’ll try to appreciate it as much as I can. My latest work in progress shows have gone very well which have helped the panic a bit.

Did you enjoy your festival experience last year?

Very much so. I was very lucky to sell out my room every day and I’m very proud of that show. I also got a lot of very nice feedback and reviews. This new show will be my fifth solo show and I feel like I have a lot of experience with ups and downs at the Fringe.

What is your show about, and what inspired it?

My show is about when my housemate started to believe he was a secret agent and called the police on me several times a week before my wedding. I know it sounds terrifying, and some of it was, but it’s a very funny story.

How different is it creating content on Twitch to performing stand-up?

It’s a completely different discipline. I think of Twitch streams like radio shows. Sometimes I might do something a bit high concept with a storyline but a lot of it can be a long stream where I’m making something fun with my audience’s help or, of course, playing a game. The tone and pace are completely different to stand up but still very fun.

How has streaming online had an impact on your live career?

It has given me a massive newfound confidence. Having to stream to no audible laughs during lockdown but making stuff I’m very proud of made me realise I’m a lot better than I thought. I think it also helped me get to know myself a lot better. I was caught between what I thought people wanted me to be and what I wanted to do. Now I feel more much more comfortable in myself as a performer and am loving stand up a lot more.

What are your favourite memories from the festival?

The first time I packed out my 50-seater venue in 2016 felt amazing. I couldn’t believe so many people wanted to see my show. This was also before things like awards and reviews got into my head so moments like these meant a lot more to me.

If you were put in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?

The main issue is the cost of accommodation. Working class comedians are being completely priced out of the Fringe.  Apart from that, I think that some guidance for new comedians to stop them getting ripped off in other aspects of the Fringe would also be massively helpful.

How would you describe how you feel when your walk on music hits and you take a step out onto the stage?

It’s a great feeling! It immediately stops the horrible pre-show nerves. Once I’m in show mode, I feel like I’m completely in the moment. Unless I have a cold.

Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?

Too many to remember but here’s some; Paul Chowdhry, Sooz Kempner, Rosco Mcclelland, Marjolein Robertson, Rob Auton, Celya AB, Myra Dubois, Amelia Bayler, Nabil Abdulrashid and Mark Thomas.

What’s your favourite one-liner?

Mick Miller  –  I went to the hairdresser and asked for highlights. He showed me the best bits.

Who’d be your dream…

Twitch stream co-host / guest

Brian Blessed.

Karaoke duetter

Chris Isaak. For the high notes.

Wrestling tag team partner

The comedian known as Joey Page.

Comedian to split an hour with

Stewart Lee. I would like him to slag off my half of the show.

Bilal Zafar: IMPOSTER, Underbelly Bristo Square (Friesian) @ 3.50pm, 2 – 28 Aug (not 14). Tickets here.