Shappi Khorsandi

Shaparak Khorsandi established herself as one of the UK’s finest comedians in 2006 with her sell-out Edinburgh show, Asylum Speaker. Despite the basis for the show being her experiences as a child refugee fleeing Iran and terrorists attempting to murder her father, Shappi’s sensitive yet witty exploration of these events created an instant comedy smash hit.

It also lead to the publication of her childhood memoirs, “A Beginner’s Guide To Acting English“, her best-selling literary debut, described by the Scotsman as ‘filled with laughter, wonder and compassion’. Emma Thompson said “This very funny, acute book also made me cry”.

Shappi went on to publish her first novel, Nina Is Not Ok, which was described by the Telegraph as ‘moving, funny and shocking’ and received tremendous acclaim from critics and readers alike.

Shappi’s career has taken her to all corners of the globe. She has appeared on countless TV & Radio shows, including: Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The Secret Policeman’s Ball for Amnesty International, Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Have I Got News For You, QI, and Just a Minute, as well as her own show, Shappi Talk.

Shappi has done features for several national publications and has a regular, weekly column in the Independent.

She has received an honorary doctorate from Winchester University for her contribution to the arts. Her mother was overjoyed, until she realised Shappi can’t actually write prescriptions for her.

Shappi has also received the prestigious James Joyce Award for outstanding success in her field from Dublin University.

TV, radio and literary accolades aside, Shappi is most proud of being a “spit & sawdust” club stand-up at the frontline of the entertainment industry. Nothing beats the buzz of a live audience and one of her favourite things is pulling on her wellies, trudging through muddy fields, and performing at festivals– she’s a regular at Glastonbury but will happily go any place where there is music, beer and a comedy tent.

As a speaker and awards host, Shappi can deftly handle the most serious subjects with a sprinkling of humour – a skill perfected in her early stand-up shows.

The popularity of Shappi’s father as a satirist attacking the regime has ensured that her family has never returned to Iran.

As Shappi says, “there’s free speech in Iran, but little freedom after you’ve spoken.”

To book Shappi for your Event, contact a Prime Performers Booking Agent via the online booking enquiry form or alternatively call us on 020 3500 3331.