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Imran Yusuf: Roar of the Underdog

 
Kayleigh Blair Review by Kayleigh Blair 3 Published: 9 Aug 2014 Underbelly, Bristo Square Show Dates: 30 Jul 2014-25 Aug 2014

After two years away from the Fringe, Imran’s style has changed slightly, but his show The Roar of the Underdog, demonstrates that change isn’t necessarily negative. This show is poignant, interesting and makes you think, which is understandably not what I automatically expected from a stand up.

This isn’t the funniest comedy show at the Fringe, it’s certainly clever, relatively clean and smoothly done.

Imran looks at complex and fascinating subjects such as global capitalism, conflict and religion. With such cavernous subjects, you would imagine that it would be difficult for him to construct a good comedy show without causing severe insult to someone. However, Imran pulls it off and talks with conviction and careful consideration, whilst managing to make his audience laugh along the way. He makes observations that most of us haven’t thought about, mostly because we ourselves are guilty of them, such as the self-fulfilment and praise that people seek when they raise money for charity.

Imran additionally explores his own mixed origins and considers where he would best place himself in society. He tells of his love and inspirations from Jackie Chan, his travels to China and India and his experiences as a travelling comedian. He mixes anecdotes with facts and jokes in a unique way that i haven’t seen from another comedian yet at the fringe.

This show is not side splittingly funny, but I don’t believe that side-splitting was ever Imran’s intention. His material is intelligent and entertaining. I walked out having learnt about the Indian class system and having reconsidered the best way to be charitable, which is more than I thought I would learn. Imran is immensely likable, chilled and open. He manages to be funny without picking on anyone at all and he emits a welcoming, warm vibe across the audience. So, whilst this isn’t the funniest comedy show at the Fringe, it’s certainly clever, relatively clean and smoothly done.

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The Blurb:

Best Newcomer nominee 2010 and star of Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Imran Yusuf returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand new hour of stand-up self-discovery. When you're internationally outcast in an increasingly divisive world and burdened with the spirit to wear your heart on your sleeve, both pain and hilarity shall ensue in this show of novel dynamic perspectives with heartfelt fragile introspection. Listen, laugh and feel the roar of the underdog! ‘Sharp, passionate and uplifting’ **** (Telegraph). ‘An hour of cheek and charm’ **** (Independent).