7 Questions with Rizal Van Geyzel
What’s your show about?
My show is about how I started from becoming a full time Stand-up Comedian in a Muslim country and helping to promote it by starting the first Comedy Club in Malaysia and wound up arrested for sedition, locked up and charged in Malaysian high court.
What’s the edgiest topic in your show?
The weaponizing of Islam for political gain and how Comedy became the subject matter.
Who are you comedy heroes?
As I said to the Immigration lady officer upon entering the UK via Manchester, it's Stewart Lee, but sadly, she didn't know who that was and nearly denied me entry to the country. So I said Peter Kay and she said Ok go on then. I actually like them both.
What excites you about the Edinburgh Fringe?
Coming from Malaysia, opening my eyes, my heart and my mind at the world's biggest arts festival in a city so rich in history.
What scares you about the Edinburgh Fringe?
Mostly that I won't be able to see everything I want to see by the time I have to leave.
If you could wave a magic wand and revolutionise the Fringe, what would it be like?
Given that it's my first time here, I don't have much to say about what I want different from the Fringe. But if I have any power at all, it'll be to fix the exchange rate on my country's currency and not make it so costly. That would make it more accessible for my people to experience this magical festival.
Who’s show would you recommend and why?
Sam See's Government Approved Sex. Sam is one of the hardest working Comedians to emerge from Singapore's grassroots Comedy scene. He's quick on his feet as well as clever in his writing.
Rizal Van Geyzel: Arrested is at Laughing Horse @ Bar 50 -Upstairs 21:00 Aug 4-27 For tickets go to https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rizal-van-geyzel-arrested