Julie-Yara Atz is one of the comedians at the next Arabs Are Not Funny! comedy night at the Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room on Friday, April 24.

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 Farah Sharp, Isabelle Farah, Esther Manito, Julie-Yara Atz and Ily Hamdia (Please note that line-ups are subject to change)

Farah Sharp was named 'One to watch' in the Funny Women Awards and regularly performs in major venues across the country and abroad. "Farah Sharp is very funny. I saw her first!" said Seann Walsh

Isabelle Farah is a British-Lebanese actor, comedian, and writer. After an undergraduate in French and Film studies, she trained at Drama Studio and the Soho Theatre Comedy Lab. She has performed in the West End and on tour, and gigged across the UK, Lisbon, Beirut, and New York City. Her short, Breakfast, was a finalist in the Funny Women Shorts Prize, and her debut show, Ellipsis was commended for the Screenshot Award, both in 2020. She also narrates audiobooks and TV documentaries and once played a glazed ham in a crisps commercial.

Esther Manito's autobiographical comedy takes you back to the 90s: lad mags, calling landlines and trying to imagine what she should ever hope for from a future spouse! Being told by the media around her that her Middle Eastern heritage was filled with misogynistic men (compared to western fellas) seemed very confusing to this Arab Essex teen. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Hypothetical, ITV, Comedy Central, Celebrity Pointless, and Radio 4's Mark Watson Talks A Bit About Life. 

Julie-Yara Atz is a Syrian-Swiss hybrid actor whose journey to comedy started through their research on storytelling and narrative structures. A cultural anomaly, they are just as comfortable in drama as they are in comedy and are especially interested in the weird, experimental forms in-between.

London-based Ily Hamdia is of Moroccan heritage and makes audiences laugh with his unique view on differing cultures. Ily's comedy blends sharp observations with a dash of absurdity. 

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)

Check where the emergency exits are – maybe I can still escape! I’m fit, I can jump a few meters!

What irritates you?

That I can’t get the Syrian nationality. Why would everyone in my family be on the US Muslim ban list except me?!

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

I’ve dated a man. Yes, yes, I have!

What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

I’ve dated another man. Yes, yes, I also have!

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

I’m funny in Arabic! At least I hope.

What do your children think of your job?

My job is the reason they don’t want to be born! “Goo goo ga ga” ain’t the punchline we think it is. They know they would be heckled.

What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

I now know half the Arab community of London. I never meant to. Please get me out of here.

I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?

Thank you thank you, how good exactly? Like, how much money as a stable salary are we talking about? How many zeros?

How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?

I earn enough to feed my cat the basics. But she likes her food fancy, and I want many more cats!

How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?

I’m very good at creating waves but I’m a lot worse at riding them! Luck is important, but you’ve got to be ready to follow through. Me and the unborn children are getting there.

Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category?

Oh why would you ask that?! I’ve been so good at avoiding self-harm! But it’s not so easy to get on with life these days with the daily heartbreaks, like Palestine, or finishing all my cat food without leaving enough to feed the cat… 

I’m probably more of a denial-driven comedian: I hide and pretend nothing happened. Me? I didn’t say anything! Next question.

Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?

Hard one! I… I think the counterpoint of dictatorship is that I genuinely struggle with any cult of personality. I struggle with monogamy too, I was hopeful I too could get many wives when I heard the new president had three. Then it turned out it was a lie, I’m still limited to one wife! <sad> I’ll have to choose carefully.

Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response). 

I strongly believe in chaos as a life force. A little bit of chaos can give you ideas a fully tidy environment would not. But then again, make it too much chaos and all you’re thinking of are ways to sort it. I’m not helping you, am I?

Arabs Are Not Funny!, Friday 24 April, Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall. Information and tickets here.

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