Stand-up shows that chart a comedian’s journey through comedy are a favourite of mine, providing there’s a good story and an even better storyteller. ‘Heavenly Baba’ delivers both. Ismael grew up Muslim in post-9/11 Florida, the child of a devoutly and eccentrically religious father, who tried converting heathen Floridians by painting slogans on his car. Comedy helped Ismael combat the isolation he felt at school, but – as his comedy career began – his jokes about Muslim stereotypes that played well with American audiences created a different feeling of isolation. Ismael is incredibly compelling as he describes his journey seeking to balance his comedy and his religion, creating a show that is, at times, quite emotional but also very funny. 

Assembly George Square, until 24 Aug. 
tw rating 5/5 | [Chris Cooke]