Ever wondered what a cross between Adolf Hitler and Frank Sanazi would look like? Look no further. Crazed comic creation Frank Sanazi is a Fringe legend who reinterprets the great classics of swing with reference to the past glories of the third reich.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
If I had to explain the premise of my show, I’d say it’s like stepping into an alternative world where loathsome dictators have transformed into legendary smooth crooners. My character, Frank Sanazi, is a comedic fusion of two legendary figures: one famous crooner and one infamous dictator, creating a heil-arious twisted persona.
There are also other singing dictators who join me on stage, including Dean Stalin and Saddami Davis Jnr. and together we form ‘The Iraq Pack’.
I take classic Rat Pack hits and give them a Third-Reich-inspired twist, which I call ‘extreme renditions’. The show isn’t for everyone, but if you have a dark sense of humour, enjoy anti-woke comedy, and love outrageous parody, then this is the perfect show for you.
What makes you laugh?
Surreal and absurd comedy really makes me laugh and is the main reason I love creating such characters. Monty Python and their ludicrous sketches initially fuelled my imagination, followed by the rock and roll comedy of The Young Ones and Comic Strip in the early eighties, whose humour kicked back against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
‘Dark Comedy Cabaret’ best describes my performance style. Unlike stand-up comedy, my show features reworked comedy songs and outrageous puns, delivering humour through a blend of music and satire.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
In the early days I was worried about how people would perceive Frank Sanazi, and it did make me feel a bit nervous. However, despite a few unpleasant incidents at gigs over the years, I no longer feel nerves. I have been doing the act for over 20 years and totally immerse myself in the character, and let’s face it, Frank Sanazi is not someone who would get nervous!
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
Well, like any good singing dictator would, while at the Fringe, I always look forward to a battered sausage. That way it gives me the perfect opportunity to use my catchphrase ‘Ze Wurst is yet to come’.
I did try a battered Haggis one year and it literally took nein weeks to digest!
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
It depends on whether they’ve heard of me before. Newcomers might be bewildered at first, unsure whether to laugh, while others say ‘Why haven’t I seen this guy before’?
I do get a lot of repeat visitors at my gigs who bring their friends, I think it’s mainly to see their reaction to the show. Obviously I do have some walkouts, mainly from people who don’t realise that the show is predominantly taking the rise out of all tyrannical leaders, Fundamentalists and their beliefs.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
I realised I was born to be on stage when I was cast as the lead in a primary school play called ‘Fat King Melon’ I wasn’t fat or associated with royalty so boy did that take some acting!
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
Edinburgh Fringe is so important for all the acts who perform there. Being both the largest and most inclusive Festival of its kind in the world, it’s like a trade show for the industry where acts get to promote their shows and get bookings for future gigs. It’s also a great way to discover other acts and network with like minded performers. The fringe is also the perfect vehicle for trying out any new material.
I remember performing a different act (Pete Perké) back in the 1990’s at the Bongo Club (which was situated in New Street at the old bus terminus), and they booked acts from all over the world to appear in their cabaret show. It was mind blowing to see the diversity and truly eclectic mix of talent that had been drawn together, and I remember thinking this is what makes this festival special.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
Most performers will tell you it is difficult to relax when you’re performing pretty much everyday, and if you do get time off other acts are asking you to come and view their shows. When I do get some time off, like some of my fellow performers, I like to take a walk up to Arthur’s Seat to clear my head or slink off to Portobello Beach which is just a few miles outside the centre… and, you never know, one year it may stop raining during the festival and we’ll get a bit of sun.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
There are a couple of people I really admire, such as performers Rik Mayall and John Cleese because of their comedy characterisation. I am also a big fan of Klaus Nomi, who put his operatic voice to new wave music, it literally blew my mind when I first heard him back in the early 80’s.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Well it has to be the perfectly timed and executed audience heckle. It happened to me once after I thought I’d belted out one of my best numbers at the Fringe one year and some guy heckled ‘Shitler’… what do you say to that? I couldn’t help but laugh and replied ‘I wish my agent wouldn’t come to my shows’.
Frank Sanazi’s Mein Way, 20.30, Le Monde – Shanghai, August 2 – 24
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/frank-sanazi-s-mein-way