Shaparak Khorsandi

Cultural Life: Shappi Khorsandi, comedian

An interview with Shappi Khorsandi about her cultural tastes.

Having recently come back from the Fringe this week I thought to myself: "Do you know what I need? To watch some more stand-up comedy."

BBC Three has been broadcasting a selection of Fringe programmes. One of these is Edinburgh Comedy Fest, hosted by Jon Richardson, featuring a selection of stand-up comedians and musical comedians performing at the Fringe.

Alongside Richardson were Josh Widdicombe, Neil Delamere, Abandoman, Seann Walsh, Mark Watson, Russell Kane, David O'Doherty, Andrew Lawrence, Ron Vaudey, Jimeoin, Tom Stade, Ed Byrne and Shappi Khorsandi. I don't know about you, but to me that seems a bit too much.

This programme only lasted an hour, and there were 14 different acts. On average they performed less than 5 minutes each. Also, as far as I know, Vaudey isn't even performing at the Fringe. What's more, it was not exactly that diverse. Granted there were comedians from abroad (Canadian, Irish, Iranian), but there was only one woman performing and one non-white person performing - and that was the same person.

In this short format, some comedians did come across better than others. Widdicombe, Delamere and O'Doherty got the laughs, while Vaudey seemed to be a bit flat. I think it would've been a better show if there were more episodes that were of a shorter length. And more variety in terms of style of performers and their backgrounds would be nice, too.

First of two showcases hosted by Jon Richardson, featuring stand-up acts at this year's Edinburgh Fringe festival. Comedians slated to appear include laconic Irishman Ed Byrne, whimsical Welshman Mark Watson, and razor-sharp, wide-eyed Shappi Khorsandi. This and The Culture Show have the festival pretty well covered but it would be nice to see more of the new, breaking comic talent on the fringe this year. Still, this makes you miss the half-lit caves crammed with damp tourists who've been drinking since midday.

BBC3's Edinburgh Fringe coverage peaks with this, their own live comedy show recorded two days ago at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, held in aid of a local charity that provides support to people with HIV and hepatitis C.

It's just about the closest you'll get on the TV to the cream of the Fringe. Dependably funny
big names are everywhere, starting with the two comperes: Jon Richardson, who's been bringing his diffident wit to Eight Out of Ten Cats this year, and the smart Andi Osho, who should be a bigger TV property than she is. On the bill are Ed Byrne, Mark Watson, Shappi Khorsandi and Seann Walsh, among others.

Shappi Khorsandi: the last laugh

Edinburgh stalwart Shappi Khorsandi has endured exile, OCD, racial abuse and death threats on her family. And she just keeps pouring it into her standup.

Shappi Khorsandi's festival diary

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi wishes there were a roof over the whole of Edinburgh.

Shappi Khorsandi interview

'I came home and thought: That's it. They've blown up my dad'.

Comedians re-create childhood photos

Take a dozen comedians, add some snaps from the family album, mix them all up and what do you get? Featuring Alan Carr, Miranda Hart, Greg Davies, Jessica Hynes, Sarah Millican, Dom Joly, Jason Byrne, Shappi Khorsandi, Chris Addison, Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard and Jon Holmes.

Is comedy getting too cruel?

Was Ricky Gervais's Golden Globes turn funny, or just mean? Is comedy getting too cruel? Comedians Steve Punt and Shappi Khorsandi debate what is a joke too far.