Azhar Usman will be among the comedians performing at the Super Muslim Comedy Tour as it kicks off later this week.

He will join a whole host of acts at the Super Muslim Comedy Tour.  Following on from the tour’s 2016 success, this year’s tour comes to Manchester on Sunday November 26 and Blackburn on Monday November 27.

Asian Image:

Will you be doing new material for the uk audience?
Yes, absolutely! I have not performed standup in the UK for the past year, and so much has happened in 2017...I am grateful for the opportunity to share some new observations about the rapidly devolving state of world affairs. 

As a Muslim comedian living and performing in the USA, are there any challenges?

The challenge for a Muslim comedian is the same as any comedian: Writing compelling material, getting booked, and finding a work/life balance. Being a Muslim in the United States these days is a double-edged sword (pun intended): it tends to draw out the worst of the right wing and the best of the left wing.

Were you a funny kid at school and do you remember when you realised you enjoyed making people laugh?

Yes, I was pretty much always a funny person, as far back as I can recall: class clown, cracking up my friends in the back of the class, always the guy with the best jokes, etc. 
I knew since I was probably about four or five years old that I could make people laugh. My parents knew it too – and they would make me tell jokes to their friends at dinner parties!

You perform in many countries, how much does humour change from country to country and do u ever do any research into what’s happening in those countries so you can make appropriate humour?

Most of my material is very conceptual these days, borderline philosophical. 
Some of it is based on specific events and realities in America, but most of it is universal, so it translates well across countries. That said I do like to read up on the headlines in a given country (or city) before doing a show, just to get a feel for what everyone is thinking and talking about. 

What do you do to relax?

Overeat. Binge watch. Take herbal medications. Be depressed. Sleep in. Basically, all the most indulgent things that my animal self wants to do, but that my spiritual self hates me for....and then, take a nap. 

The tour has been organised by Penny Appeal and will support Women’s Welfare projects. 

The charity has lined up 8 world class comedians for the events. Each evening will consist of 5 stand-up acts, hosted by Abdullah Afzal, best known for his role as Amjad Malik in BBC One’s long-running Citizen Khan. 

Abdullah Afzal said, “Following on from the huge success of last year’s tour, I can’t wait to get out on the stage again with my fellow artists and brothers, in aid of what is a fantastic initiative to empower and support women worldwide. Through a great night of entertainment, we can really transform the lives of women around the world; I’m really looking forward to it!”

Penny Appeal CEO, Aamer Naeem, added, “We expect this year’s tour to be an even biggersuccess than last year’s. We have some of the best Muslim comedians from the UK and USA, who will have the audience roaring with laughter. This year, we are launching a new initiative centring on Women’s Welfare.

“We hope that everyone can come together, enjoy a fantastic night of entertainment, and really help to aid women who lack empowerment and opportunities worldwide. We are sure that with the support of the public, and everyone who comes to this year’s comedy tour that we will be able to make a big difference.”

Standard tickets are priced at £10, and Premium tickets, which enjoy seating closer to the stage, come in at £20. 

For more information about the Super Muslim Comedy Tour, to buy tickets, or to donate to Penny Appeal, call 03000 11 11 11 or visit pennyappeal.org.