As Brighton Fringe gears up for 2016, Broadway Baby offers an insight into the shows, the people and the world that is Brighton Fringe. We’ve been speaking to participants from around the Fringe and asked them to give us an insight into their shows.
I'm a man fighting the evil forces of middle age
Name Sheraz Yousaf
Show Sheraz Yousaf: The Pursuit of Manlyness
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm a man fighting the evil forces of middle age, having started comedy 4 years ago at age 36 and doing almost 800 gigs in that time. I've done around 30 one hour shows since the end of 2013, in and around London, and in October 2015 settled on the current theme and subject of the show. It just felt that was the right thing for me as a man to talk about. Oh yeah and I did a spot on a BBC gig to 600 people in Jan which was nice. It's here.
Can you tell us a little bit about your show, what can we expect?
It's a show mocking the things that we are told will make us into a man. I blame 80s Hollywood films and TV. I also blame the amount of time I was forced to spend in the North when I was very young. You can expect a good narrative and some clever jokes and me bounding around to a bit of music.
Why did you decide to perform your show at the Brighton Fringe?
I've been kind of under the radar the last four years even though I've done a lot of gigs, so starting to do festivals was my way of getting seen a bit. I much prefer doing my hour show than short spots in clubs, and that's what I'm heading towards in the future - festivals and my own shows.
What makes your show different?
Well I'm talking about what it's like to be a bloke for a whole hour. I don't think anyone's doing that this year. And I've got a choice of great t-shirts. I don't think anyone has those in the Fringe.
Who would enjoy seeing your show?
Anyone who is interested in life and how people become what they are from their influences, stupid decisions and how life is confusing. Anyone who is like that. So everyone.
What has been the best advice you have been given?
I was told if you really hate football then you should bang on about it constantly and criticise anyone who likes it. That's helped me feel good about myself on many occasions.
What show, apart from yours, would you recommend at the Brighton Fringe and why?
I saw Nathan Willcock do 10 minutes at an open mic last week which I thought was quite funny, so based on that you should go and see him. That's the only person that comes to mind so sorry to any of my friends who I'm not using this chance to promote.
What do you think audiences will enjoy the most about your show?
I think they will like my dancing. I've got very good moves.
Sheraz Yousaf: The Pursuit of Manlyness is appearing at the Lamb @ Craft Beer Co. on the 12th-14th May, 21:00
