Rizal Van Geyzel (as seen on Comedy Central Asia) was put in jail for telling jokes about his Islamic heritage. After a year under fire from right wing extremists, a hostile government, and a sedition hearing, Rizal Van Geyzel comes to the Fringe for the first time to tell the story of how it happened, and what it means for the role of comedy, and the impact it has had on freedom of speech in Malaysia. Don't worry, all this sounds a bit heavy but the show is really funny.

August 15, 2023    The Scotsman

This is an impressive hour from a genuinely engaging performer. It is a clever mix of politics, Islam, storytelling and a slew of funny and fascinating stuff about South East Asia in general (and Malaysia in particular). Van Geyzel is a terrific comic and a wonderful storyteller, warm and so likeable that you cannot imagine why he would be arrested and his hugely successful comedy club shut down. So he tells you. And it is quite the tale. Although it does involve being charged with sedition and spending time in the cells. However, in Rizal's comedy hands, it is much less traumatic than you might think. Rogue swingers and trending on Twitter lighten the drama. Open mike nights, you will learn, are more dangerous than they look. This is probably the most genuinely international show you will see. We get a comparative analysis of audiences Chinese, Indian and Malay and we learn about the Fillipino problem with the letter 'f', the Malay problem with mixed race marriage and Rizal's problem with toilet roll. His account of, on his first trip to London, going to mosque and hearing the Koran read in cockney Arabic is lovely. The entire show is fresh and funny. Kate Copstick Click Here For Review

August 12, 2023    One4Review

Very few comedians would dare tell the same joke four times (at least!) in the same show, let alone do so successfully, and get funnier each time. Mr Van Geyzel, comedy club impresario, convict, and utter delight, achieves this and delivers an all-round fabulous show.

The thing Mr Van Geyzel has is his energy: both in the sense that he did not falter in that energy or enthusiasm or commitment at any point during the show, but also in the sense of the vibe he has: an authority and control that means you can relax, and leave it to him. This is perhaps unsurprising, given he’s run a comedy club in Malaysia for the last eight years. That comedy club’s the thing that got him arrested.

Rizal tells us he sees comedy as a way of connecting people, and of building bridges, and you certainly get that sense in this show: he’s open and curious and passionate about comedy, as well as having integrity and principles. He’s also got the skills to back that up. He knows how close to walk to whatever line he’s currently flirting with and is willing to take risks – like getting a bit philosophical and meaningful – for justified reward. Great stage presence, engaging performer, and a fascinating story. Click Here For Review