For the first time ever, both the ‘Oscars of comedy’ have gone to standups with South Asian heritage. So what do the two performers who set the fringe alight have planned? Lots of boasting, finds our writerTo be crowned the best of the best at the Edin…
Continue ReadingAssembly George Square, Edinburgh Material about Hindu-Muslim relations aside, this award-winning performer’s material covers familiar confessional ground, delivered with engaging skill and graceIn India, I’m edgy, says Urooj Ashfaq; in Edinburgh, not …
Continue ReadingThe Edinburgh comedy award-winning show Ends is a superb set about Shah’s grandfather, the standup’s imminent wedding and multicultural Britain The cliche about Edinburgh fringe comedy is that, instead of jokes, it’s all tears and dead loved ones. No o…
Continue Reading32-year-old comedian whose set explores race, class and migration becomes first British-Asian to take prizeA show about multiculturalism has won best show at the Edinburgh comedy awards. Ahir Shah, the first British-Asian to win the prestigious award, …
Continue ReadingMonkey Barrel Comedy at The Hive, EdinburghThe Edinburgh comedy award nominee dials up the silly to 11 as he delivers a series of shambolic gagsThere is no more uproarious opening sequence at this year’s fringe than Phil Ellis’s. Yes, it’s really happe…
Continue ReadingJulia Masli, Ahir Shah and Janine Harouni are on the eight-strong shortlist for the coveted £10,000 prize at the festivalA clown-therapy show that takes place in the middle of the night. A hymn to British multiculturalism. And a show at risk of imminen…
Continue ReadingAt a late hour, the former Perrier has found new sponsors. Some winners have mixed feelings about it but the prize brings attention to an art form that doesn’t get enough appreciationThe comedy industry, standups with dreams of glory and canapé waiters…
Continue ReadingConceived by the artistic director of Birmingham Rep, Sean Foley, the award will be open to all with the winner receiving £25,000A new playwriting prize dedicated to comedy has been launched in honour of Victoria Wood on what would have been the standu…
Continue ReadingHe breezed into the Edinburgh fringe late with just half a show – and won the ‘Oscar of comedy’. In his first ever face-to-face interview, the eccentric Aussie standup reveals what’s next (‘Something’)Here’s how the Edinburgh fringe usually figures in …
Continue ReadingYoung Latina whose act tackles disability is among the winners at prestigious awards ceremonyBoth of the top prizes for being funny at the 2022 Edinburgh fringe festival have gone to foreign talent. The Australian comedian Sam Campbell is the winner of…
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