LEILA NAVABI: COMPOSITION - REVIEW

At the age of 21, Leila Navabi hit the headlines after they described Rishi Sunak as Prince Charles in brownface on BBC Radio Wales. Navabi proves her point in an excellent hour of musical comedy.

The show focuses on identity – the effects of their identities, and the expectation that Navabi has to comment on these whenever they have a platform. We seem to as a society expect people of colour to tell us how to fix racism, which we white people started but now don’t seem to see as our problem to fix. The disparity between this and how the multiple white men at the fringe will get up on stage and never have to speak about identity is heard loudly and clearly.

Played on a keyboard, the songs are ingenious, with punk influences, and witty lyrics. The number about falling in love with the girl who pierced her ears in Claire’s Accessories and the rap about potatoes are particular standouts. Navabi displays excellent writing ability and musical prowess.

Navabi is naturally funny – bouncing off of the audience throughout – especially yours truly. Their delivery has such a casual air to it, it has an improv feel, as though they are coming up with the jokes on the spot, based on the moment. At times comedians feel so well rehearsed it sounds scripted, but that’s not the case here, Navabi seems like a hilarious person both on and off the stage.

Composition is slightly rough around the edges and has a chaotic nature at times. But Navabi is a force to be reckoned with, a truly funny person that I’m sure has a bright future ahead.

Navabi identifies as an imp, and there is certainly an impish sense to this hour – a fun, frenzy of a cabaret with an important, thought-provoking message.

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{🎟 AD: PR Invite – Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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