Ahir Shah to headline The Comedy Lab for emerging South Asian comedians

Brown Sauce, London’s leading South Asian comedy club, in collaboration with Tara Theatre, has revealed the lineup for its upcoming Comedy Lab event.

Eight emerging South Asian comedians will participate in a one-day workshop on 18th October 2024, culminating in a ticketed showcase that evening. The rising stars will perform alongside headliner Ahir Shah, whose intellectual humour and political commentary have earned him critical acclaim, including the 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award.

The lineup of comedians includes Iman Ahmedani, Qasim Akhtar, Jas Bahia, Nusrath Tapadar, Dipak Patel, Paras Patel, Joeravar Sangha, and Stuti Johri. Shah expressed his enthusiasm for mentoring the new talent, stating, “I’m excited to work with this new group of talent, and relish the opportunity to give terrible advice to anyone I deem a potential threat to my own career.”

Sharlin Jahan, founder of Brown Sauce, and Saima Ferdows, comedian, TV producer, and founder of Creatives of Colour, will co-lead the workshop. Ferdows is best known for directing Sophie Duker’s Best Newcomer-nominated show ‘Venus’ and associate producing BBC’s Bad Education. Both commented, “We received so many strong applications, and we’re beyond excited to work with these emerging comedic talents. Bringing them together, helping them grow, and giving them the chance to perform in a safe and inclusive space is just the beginning. We’re building a comedy community that will thrive.”

Tara Theatre’s Associate Director Gavin Joseph added, “Brown comedians, where art thou?!?!?! In Earlsfield apparently when Tara Theatre meets Brown Sauce to host an epic night of laughs. With some of the most exciting brown comic talent performing, it’s the perfect way to spend time with a mate or impress a date. So if you’re not showing up for the laughs, show up for the potential love of your life.”