Egyptian-American comedian Maria Shehata unpacks the cosmic joke of swearing "I'll never be like my parents"-only to catch herself in their exact same footsteps. Wisdomless is a blend of stand-up, storytelling, and theatrical flashbacks that crash the past into the present.Maria takes one of the biggest risks of her life: leaving behind the familiarity of Los Angeles for an uncertain future in London-all for a fianc she had fallen in love with through FaceTime.What unfolds is a modern-day romantic gamble that echoes her parents' own daring leap decades earlier, when they moved from Cairo to Ohio after an arranged marriage, only knowing each other for three days. Maria swore she'd never follow that script-but somehow, she's landed in a modern remix of it. Now she's chasing her creative dreams and dodging cultural expectations -like the 2,000-year-old Coptic wedding vows, "For he is your husband, and to him you will submit," that leave little room for modern interpretation. Hailed by British Comedy Guide as "so effortlessly engaging, the audience would gladly take a half-hour encore," Maria jumps between past and present, arranged marriage and creative chaos, that is heartfelt, honest, and hilarious. LATECOMERS MAY NOT BE ADMITTED. UNDER 18s ARE NOT PERMITTED INTO THE THEATRE FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. The performance lasts approximately 75 minutes without interval. No re-admittance once the performance has commenced. Refunds and exchanges are not available.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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