Imran Yusuf takes to the stage seeming full of good cheer and relaxed. He says that the show is trying to convey the message that everyone should be proud of shortcomings: for example, he is skinny. He is a tall, slightly-built figure and says it's a sign that he is a ninja and a gangster. He's clearly neither but a good joke emerges about (late American boxer) Mohammed Ali and (late Indian pacifist) Mahatma Gandhi.

He expresses his anger at (UK prime minister) David Cameron's opinion that multiculturalism has failed. He says he was born in Mombasa, Kenya to parents who were also born in East Africa, but who were of Indian descent. He says his grandparents were Kokani muslims, which leads to some wordplay regarding the family's move to Hackney Downs in East London from the regime of (former Uganda president) Idi Amin.

Imran Yusuf's delivery is measured. When he has jokes which he knows may touch a few nerves or cause an intake of breath, he demonstrates his awareness with a cheeky smile and the balance is restored. Although he seems confident on stage, he says that away from performing he gets nervous, particularly with women. A fair section of the show is dedicated to how he wants to be able to get a girlfriend, but suffered disappointment. For example in what was apparently his former occupation as a games tester in the computer industry, working on the UK minimum wage, he says he fancied a senior employee but couldn't face the pressure of what he considered to be her expectations. He even claims to have tried to impress a Swedish girl he met by writing her poetry - in Swedish.

In his present career as a comedian, he says he tells jokes as a form of acceptance. A story about a gig at a leading UK comedy venue with well-established acts leads to cleverly-constructed jokes about sexual grooming and abuse, and a whole new take on awareness of arranged marriage; and his dismissal of the David Cameron notion about multiculturalism.

It's an uplifting and positive show because Imran Yusuf is apparently living his dream. He says he wanted to be a comedian from an early age and is now doing it, enjoying it - and succeeding. Imran Yusuf comes across as an assured, likeable, funny performer with a winning message: embrace your shortcomings, pursue your dreams.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Imran Yusuf - Performer.

Company Credits: Writer - Imran Yusuf. Director - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Bound And Gagged Comedy. Website - www.boundandgaggedcomedy.com.

END

(c) Chandrika Chevli 2011

reviewed on Tuesday 9 August 2011 / Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com