Saturday 25 August 2018

Asian Network Comedy, BBC Tent, Edinburgh Fringe

Hosted by the enthusiastic Yasser from the Asian Network Drivetime show, who explained the format then kept his contributions brief, simply introducing the 5 comedians who'd provide the laughs.

Kai Samra was a good man to start with, smart comments on his recent move to London and the differences in life he'd found there, effective observational comedy.

Zahra Barri has a surprisingly squeaky voice, plenty knowing looks and an explanation that with a Muslim father and Catholic mother she was always going to be an atheist.  Or that she could understand wearing a burqa, especially on the days when you just couldn't be bothered to make an effort.  She's got great comic timing.

Ken Cheng told us why what he's been told is his 'Chinese-ish-ness' is both help and hindrance, and racism is both disgusting and something to be exploited.  And a good source of comedy.

Jen Wakefield brought something a bit different, comedy rapping, and talked of her mission to bring Grime to Cheltenham and Guildford.  Clever stuff.

Finally the headline act, the well established Paul Sinha on the perils of being an Asian gay man and his parents' disappointment that he gave up being a doctor to do comedy.  He's good at extracting humour from awkward situations and his personal misfortunes, but with no sense of making the audience uncomfortable.  Tales of his search for a partner were hilarious.

The show will be broadcast on the Asian network at 9pm next Monday (27th), and available to view on iPlayer from 3 September.

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