Maria Shehata is one of the comedians at the next Arabs Are Not Funny! comedy night at the Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room on Friday, October 18.

You might have thought that Arabs couldn’t get any funnier. Think again. Regarded as one of the hottest comedy nights among the Arab community and beyond, Arabs Are Not Funny! sees comedians with roots in the Arab world showcasing their talents and attempting to prove the naysayers wrong.

The full line-up features Fatiha El-Ghorri, Maria Shehata, Prince Abdi, Sezar Alkassab and Mustafa Algiyadi (Please note that line-ups are subject to change)

Maria Shehata is an Egyptian-American comedian based in London. Winner of Best Comedian at the Hollywood Festival of New Cinema, Maria has been tour support for Bill Burr, shortlisted as one of the Best New Acts at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe, and showcased as Pick of the Fringe in 2019.

Fatiha El-Ghorri is an outspoken British Muslim woman who smashes the Muslim stereotypes and challenges people to think about what they think they know about Islam, Muslims and especially Muslim women. Prince Abdi is a British-Somali from South London who has worked with the likes of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Trevor Noah, Michael McIntyre and many more

Sezar Alkassab is a Glaswegian comedian whose family are from Iraq. His conversational comedy explores his heritage, cultural differences, and more through silly stories, informed observations and provocative punchlines. Libyan Arab stand-up Mustafa Algiyadi longs to be part of the European way of life but is confronted with cultural differences that make it confusing, chaotic and sometimes highly inappropriate!

What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)? 

Empty my brain and think about absolutely nothing

What irritates you? 

Gum chewing. My upstairs neighbors walking around. People who look for their travel card in front of the turnstile, people who walk up and down tube stairs while looking at their phone. People watching/Listening to cell phones without headphones. People. 

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

I was at a shooting range, and I shot a gun at a target but I missed that target and instead hit the metal thing holding the target, and the bullet ricocheted into a light bulb. 

What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

See above. And also start smoking. 

What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

Tik Tok headliners.

Interview continues here