Isma Almas
Published: Tuesday 3rd March 2020
One random comedian, eight random questions: it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's wordy adopter is the bravura Bradfordian Isma Almas, who brings the show About A Buoy to London this week. It got lots of praise at last year's Edinburgh Fringe, and such shows invariably bob back up again; a bit like a buoy, in fact.
Isma's tale is "about how and why I adopted my son," she explains. "I started thinking about writing it after going through the adoption process as an adopter, and seeing and experiencing things that made me really unhappy and angry. It's essentially a show about love, acceptance and discrimination."
About A Buoy is on at the Vault Festival from Wednesday to Friday, and should also be popping up at the Soho Theatre soon.
Meanwhile, Isma Almas, your Random 8 await:
Who was your childhood hero?
Freddie Mercury; I used to pretend he was my dad. I used to tell my friends that he couldn't do the school run because he was too busy doing drugs and David Bowie.
Is there a book or film that changed your life?
The Goonies; Chunk is my spirit animal. I can still do the Truffle Shuffle.
Which historical figure deserves more attention?
Chunk from The Goonies. The guy who played him is now a successful attorney with his own practice in California. Apparently he hasn't done the Truffle Shuffle since 1985.
What's your favourite fact?
The hashtag symbol is called an octothorpe. Octothorpe MeToo doesn't have the same ring to it.
Which British town should be abolished?
Weston-super-Mare. I once drove five hours to get to a gig there, only to arrive and find out the gig had been cancelled. I then had to drive the five hours back. I've never forgiven Weston-super-Mare.
What's the most regrettable thing you ever bought?
A very expensive curling tong thing that burns my hands and ties my hair in knots each time I use it.
Which live event would you most like to have attended?
Live Aid and purely to have seen my dad, Freddie Mercury, perform.
What was your proudest moment?
I once made a perfectly round chapati, and have never been able to recreate it since.
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