Shah feels guilty. In his personal life he's never been happier, with his wedding taking place later this year. But how can you be happy in a UK that's so fucked up and miserable? The rapid fire delivery throws a lot of information out in a short time, but the clear diction, infectious grin and pauses for numerous laughs make it easy to keep up with the pace, creating a swift rapport with his audience.
Much of the set is about dichotomy. The contrast between his Indian Asian background and British life. The ambivalence he feels in seeing one of his own becoming PM, yet hating everything the man stands for and does. The career as a comedian when his parents hoped he would be a doctor. The relative comfort and privilege of his own life compared to that of his grandparents who brought the family to this island. It's sharp observational comedy, with oblique slants on life and politics, smart and witty.
But further exploration of the lives of his grandparents, and the sacrifices they made to give their family a better life, take us into more complex and emotional territory. Notably of the racism they had, which, while still very much a thing in 2023, has reduced greatly. And Shah reminds us that the greatest compliment that society can offer is not to be noticed. Acceptance. Integration. He reflects that much of the bigotry he still experiences comes from the older generation (reminding me of how embarrassed so many of my peers make me feel), and will, hopefully, die out in time. Sunak is a symbol of that process, even if some of his ministers seem intent on reversing progress.
If there are moments that feel tearful they don't last long. Shah is far too skilful to allow an audience to become maudlin, and the darker elements of his story are still regularly punctuated with punchlines. This is one of those shows that reminds of just how much stand-up can, and should achieve, as thought provoking and informative as it is entertaining. It's comfortably the best comedy show I've seen this year.
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