Nabil Abdulrashid
Published: Friday 25th February 2022
Marvel gave us S.H.I.E.L.D. and its shady agents. DC created S.T.A.R. Labs and its meta-boffins. Various James Bonds fought S.P.E.C.T.R.E. and its various Blofelds. And now? Prepare for N.A.B.I.L.
"It's pretty much my origin story," says the show's titular hero, Nabil Abdulrashid. "I see myself as a bit of an anomaly in mainstream comedy, almost a villain, and being the comic book and video game geek that I am, I felt it was only right to have an origin story-style show!"
And here it is, at London's Soho Theatre from next Monday. Nabil has been a popular face on the UK circuit for over a decade, but finally became an overnight success - that classic comedy origin timeline - by making the final of Britain's Got Talent in 2020. Which had a captive audience that year, too; handy. This version of N.A.B.I.L. is new for 2022 - so why the update?
"It initially ran two hours long so I've made some edits to make it fit for festivals and Soho Theatre," he says, "plus improved some bits too. I think it's a much smoother, slicker show now - I love performing it."
N.I.C.E. Now let's look back at Nabil's live history.
First gig?
I don't remember the date but it was about twelve years ago at the Comedy Café in Shoreditch. It was a variety night and I was on after a gospel singer and just before a conspiracy theorist slam poet. Pretty sure they both got more laughs than me.
The only person laughing during my set was my big brother and that wasn't because my jokes were good. Not a great night.
Favourite show, ever?
It's a toss-up between my Live At The Apollo debut and my semi-final performance on Britain's Got Talent. Two times I've felt like the comic I've always wanted to be.
Worst gig?
Either that first one or a night that can be summed up in three short words: Bristol Jongleurs. Squaddies.
Which one person influenced your comedy life most significantly?
Hard to pinpoint as I've had so many influences growing up. Industry people I've met? Geoff Schuman, Noel Faulkner and Ava Vidal. Comedians I admire? Pryor, Carlin, Chappelle and Rock.
And who's the most disagreeable person you've come across in the business?
Ha ha... no comment.
Is there one routine/gag you loved, that audiences inexplicably didn't?
Nah... all my stuff works ?. In all seriousness, nothing sticks out. If it doesn't work I try and change it so it does.
Any reviews, heckles or post-gig reactions stick in the mind?
Radio Times said some very complimentary things after BGT. I was flattered by that one.
How do you feel about where your career is at, right now?
Honestly? I'm really happy... happy to have got some recognition and really hopeful for the future.
N.A.B.I.L. (Nobody Actually Believed I'd Last) is at Soho Theatre from 28th Feb to 6th March. Info & Tickets
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