Comedy: Naz Osmanoglu At Comic Boom
One of the brightest young things on the comedy circuit, member of sketch group WitTank (as seen on BBC3) and all round nice guy chatted with Victoria Nangle
BBC’s Live At The Electric, headlining Comic Boom, solo and group shows (with sketch group WitTank) at the Edinburgh Festival this year… life’s looking good?
“Yes all is well, although it is pretty hectic at the moment! Preparing two shows for the Edinburgh Festival does tend to keep you on your toes a bit, but it’s great fun seeing how the shows eventually come together.”
Why the need to perform both in WitTank and with your solo material?
“Well I look at them as very different projects and I feel it’s good to keep busy as well as develop both disciplines. I love doing sketches as I get to act as lots of different characters AND piss about with my best mates. But with stand-up you don’t have to share any of the glory and I do love a bit of that.”
Your Wikipedia page says you’re nineteenth in line to the former Ottoman throne. Wikipedia meddling or frustrated despot?
“It is true: I am a Turkish prince. Unfortunately the family are no longer in power. Glam title but nothing to back it up. It’s a bit like working for MI6, but in catering.”
What is your favourite thing about playing in Brighton?
“I think the crowds are lovely. Really friendly audience who love comedy – London tends to have a comedy savvy crowd but they can be quite cold at times whereas in Brighton they know their comedy but they are also very friendly and engaging.”
This is your first time headlining Comic Boom, but not your first time playing the monthly night. Are you looking forward to it?
“Absolutely. I love the club and I love the venue and have played there many times now – it’s one of the best nights in the country and I really look forward to it!”
You have a remarkable name. Any difficulties with comperes over the years?
“Prince Nazim Ziaeddin Nazim Osmanoglu…yes.
I used to tell people that my surname, Osmanoglu, rhymed with Barry Manilow but stopped as sometimes people forgot what it was and just brought me on as Barry Manilow, which got a mixed response.”
If you won the Edinburgh Award this year who would you thank in your speech?
“My parents, my sister and my friends (especially sketch colleagues Mark Cooper-Jones and Kieran Boyd). Basically
all those who have been so supportive. Also my dogs, because I really like my dogs.”
Tell us a secret about one of your WitTank pals… pur-leassse (winning smile)…
“Well, Mark can eat a punnet of raspberries faster than any other living creature on the planet and the way to Kieran’s heart is a pint of Guinness. That is all.”
What was the last thing that made you laugh so much you felt giddy and dizzy?
“Hmmm, I think the last time I completely lost it was during a WitTank show when I fell off a stool and stacked it onto the stage. The audience laughed, then Mark and Kieran and finally I started to as well. We never finished the sketch but I think everyone had a good time. Plus I was in a lot of pain so I was definitely rather dizzy…”
Comic Boom, Komedia, Thursday 28 June, 8pm, £9/7/5
