Jenan Younis
- Writer and stand-up comedian
Press clippings
Jenan Younis: 'There are certain roles you are expected to play'
The British-Assyrian stand-up is challenging stereotypes as she tackles the Iraq war in her set.
Dalia Dawood, The Financial Times, 23rd August 2023The comics spurning the Edinburgh Fringe
Stand-ups used to think they'd never make it if they didn't play the festival. But it's leaving many saddled with debt, stuck in squalid flats and even suicidal. Refuseniks tell us why they're bowing out.
Rachael Healy, The Guardian, 11th July 2022Jenan Younis: I got more comedy bookings when I used a white-sounding name
I soon found stand-up a great way to let off steam, widen my social circle and navigate awkward issues about identity politics in a positive way. However, I was worried about work colleagues finding out, so I decided to create a separate profile, just for comedy, under 'Janine Young'. 'Janine' was overwhelmingly more successful in securing a gig offer with 81% of promoters replying, while just over 12% responded to my emails as 'Jenan'.
Jenan Younis, Metro, 28th January 2022Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2022 finalists announced
Nick Elleray, Hayley Ellis, Louise Leigh, Lucila San Martin, John Meagher, Firuz Ozari, Ashish Suri and Sam Williams will compete in the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2022 final. The comedians involved in Silver Stand Up, UK Pun Championships and Union JACK Radio's Circuit Breakers have also been announced.
British Comedy Guide, 17th December 2021Jenan Younis on creating a middle eastern comedy night
At the start of my comedy journey I created a new Facebook account with the name 'Janine Young', to ensure work colleagues didn't stumble across it. I accidentally contacted a promoter for a spot; they rapidly got back to me with a gig offer. This was someone that had never replied previously when I emailed them as 'Jenan Younis'. With my geek-hat on I decided to run an experiment. I contacted promoters over the course of a year with my real name versus anglicised name but with the same comedy CV. 81% of promoters got back to me as 'Janine. Only 12% replied to 'Jenan'. Rather than whinge about it I thought I'd be pro-active and so Weapons of Mass Hilarity was born!
Jenan Younis, Londonist, 19th October 2021Meet surgeon-turned-comedian Jenan Younis
Around three years ago, Assyrian-British surgeon Jenan Younis turned down a prestigious job offer to pursue what she really wanted to do: comedy.
Rawaa Talass, Arab News, 27th August 2021Leicester Comedy Festival to publish All Puns Blazing joke book
Leicester Comedy Festival is publishing a celebratory book of puns. All Puns Blazing: The Best British Knockout Jokes will be published in November.
British Comedy Guide, 16th August 2021Jenan Younis on Weapons of Mass Hilarity
Tired of racism on the comedy scene towards Middle Eastern comics, Jenan Younis started her own night Weapons of Mass Hilarity - where gags about body hair and Farsi abound.
Rachael Healy, The Guardian, 27th July 202150 funny podcasts to make you feel much better
Has your daily walk become an endless trudge to nowhere? These podcasts, chosen by comedians, podcasters, Guardian writers and readers, are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
The Guardian, 5th April 2021UK Pun Championship 2021 line-up announced
The contestants have been revealed for the 2021 UK Pun Championship. Also, the finalists for Silver Stand Up Competition have been announced.
British Comedy Guide, 18th December 2020