EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Nazeem Hussain

BWW speaks to Nazeem Hussain about his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show LEGALLY BROWN.

What can you tell us about Legally Brown?

I can tell you is that it's nothing like Legally Blonde (movie or musical). In Legally Blonde Reese Witherspoon became a lawyer, and won respect. I left law and started telling jokes.

The show is an hour of stories and jokes relating to my life growing up in Australia. Themes centre on race, politics and family. It got nominated (read: didn't win) for a Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer.

How has audience response been so far?

Audiences have been so generous. I'd love to say that everyone who comes enjoys it, but the only people that I get to speak to after shows are people who claim to love it. No one has ever told me they haven't had a great time. Then again, I'd be inclined to say as much if I met the performer of a show I'd just seen. I consider myself edgy - but even I don't think I could break a comedian's heart.

Tell us a bit about your career so far.

I started out about a decade ago. However, I've only been doing comedy full-time since late 2013. Before that, I was working as a tax consultant by day and comedian by night. I'm definitely happier now. And the tax office is probably saving on audit costs.

I had a TV show called Legally Brown in 2013/14 that was soooo much fun to make and share with TV audiences. It got nominated (read: didn't win) for a Logie for Most Outstanding Comedy (which is our BAFTAs), and that made my family really proud of me.

Who would you recommend Legally Brown to?

Anyone old enough to buy a ticket. Also, I'm happy to come to your room and perform to you while you get ready for work/if there's nothing on TV.

Are there any other performances you are hoping to catch while you're in Edinburgh?

Jason Byrne always makes me laugh. Susie Youssef is an Aussie comic who will make your stomach hurt (from laughing). Tom Ballard is so funny and sharp. David O'Doherty is a comedy hero of mine. Nish Kumar - his show in Melbourne was one of my favourites.

Timings and ticket information for Legally Brown are available on the edfringe website.

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