Show 1: Shappi Khorsandi: Oh My Country! From Morris Dancing to Morrissey

Having listened to Shappi Khorsandi’s episode of Comedian’s Comedian I was tremendously struck by her warmth, her deep insight into cultural and national identity and vulnerability. Intrigued, I got a ticket to her show.

16 years working in comedy has shaped Khorsandi into an ebullient, open hearted performer. Her show is comprised on tales of her family finding their cultural feet in England, the stark differences between her frighteningly middle-class young son and her more outgoing daughter who has absorbed her Iranian identity.

Shappi Khorsandi plays the audience brilliantly, and an ill-timed phone call from a front row audience member led to some rather delightful hi-jinx. She as confident. She was joyous and giving. She was an absolute delight to watch.

I shan’t spoil the jokes, but damn did she have some lovely observations of the cultural differences she’s encountered. Also the impressions of her children are rather charming.

Overall, an excellent start to my Edinburgh 2016 festival outing.

Score: 9/10
Venue: The Stand Comedy Club, Stand 1
Dates: 13-14, 16-28 August
Time: 20:30
Price: £12 (£10)