German-based Libyan comic Mustafa Algiyadi picks his Perfect Playlist

German-based Libyan stand-up, Mustafa Algiyadi – who’s currently performing his Edinburgh Fringe debut – picks his Perfect Playlist of comedy favourites

Shahad Mashash Haga: The Witness Who Didn't See Anything

 This is an Egyptian comedic play which is a beloved staple in the Arab world, often aired during Eid and public holidays and it has a cult status with some quotes being referenced in daily language. The play stars Adel Imam, who is one of the comedy godparents in the Arab world. 

A couple of words about the play as probably not all readers are aware of it. It aired in 1975 with Imam playing Sarhan Abdelbasir, a naive children's TV host who enjoys feeding rabbits at the zoo. Madiha, his co-star, loves him, but he is indifferent to relationships. The Plot Thickens when Sarhan’s neighbour, a belly dancer is murdered. The inspector suspects Sarhan, who pleads his innocence. When the real killer is caught, Sarhan must testify in court. His nervousness leads to absurd responses to the questioning.

The play has many clowning elements and the writing is impeccable, with some lines never leaving your mind. Like when Sarhan is being questioned by the judge asking what the killer was wearing, his answer is: ‘White socks with a rubber band on top.’

I used to put the album before going to bed to fall asleep when I was 10 years old. I haven't seen it in a while, maybe it is about time. Translated versions are hard to find, but it might be coming to Netflix soon. 

Robin Williams: Live on Broadway 2002

One of my all-time favourite comedy specials. For me, it is less about the jokes, and more about Robin Williams’ captivating stage presence and performance. 

Considering that I saw it at an age when I was still learning English when I first saw it, it meant that I had to rewatch many bits over and over again to be able to get it, let alone the American political jokes which at times went over my head.

But it was still funny to me all nonetheless just because of the delivery. It shows how layered a stand-up routine could be and how it could appeal to different audiences for different reasons. Act outs, accents, physical comedy, political satire…it just has it all!

Jerry Seinfeld: I Am Telling You For The Last Time

I remember a friend bringing a hard drive with the special to me and telling me: ‘There is something that you need to see!’ I think this is the comedy special that I have watched the most in my life. I was priding myself that I knew some of the bits by heart. 

The hour is a masterclass in observational comedy with zero profanity and offers a lens to look at everyday life in which anything could be a potential bit. Seinfeld delivers the jokes with measured precision that one can see could only come from one of the GOATs.

If there was an obligatory reading list for stand-up comedians, this special should be on top of the list.

The Colbert Report

I cannot say enough how good this late-night show was and it is such a shame that it stopped. I was eagerly waiting for every new episode to come out, it was satire at its best. 

Stephen Colbert's portrayal of an ultra-conservative, self-absorbed, high-status idiot character was one of the funniest things on TV. I loved the clever sketches, witty jokes and the silliest interviews that he had. The interview with Bill O'Reilly was a deep inception spiral between the two characters.
I was eagerly waiting for every new episode to come out and it inspired many, albeit failed, attempts at recording some late-night segments. 

Veep

My (not so much) guilty pleasure. I think the show is understated and somehow its popularity doesn't correspond to its genius writing (even though it is critically acclaimed with numerous rewards). I think the writing is on par with The Office. 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays the greedy vice-president who is willing to do whatever it takes to become president and is insanely funny in it. The show is written in such a way that it is not tied to a specific political era and it has a streak of the funniest comparisons ever delivered by Selina (Louis-Dreyfus). My favourite: ‘That is like using a croissant as a dildo, it doesn't do the job and it leaves a freaking mess!’

• Mustafa Algiyadi: Almost Legal Alien is at Just The Tonic Nucleus at 4.30pm

Published: 14 Aug 2024