Red Hot East End

The name on the rosta that really stands out for this Red Hot East End observational comedy night at the Hackney Empire is that of Imran Yusuf, perhaps the most exciting and original new acts on the circuit. With a rapping gunfire delivery and a verbal dexterity that hops between exaggerated accents and in-your-face street-slang as quick as he goose-steps across the stage, the whippet-like Yusuf gives the brain a thorough workout with his racial, socio-political set while succeeding in the primordial aim of all good comedy - making people laugh ("and empowering Muslims"). At one moment the self-styled "topical ethnic act" will deliver mock Islamic fundamentalism ("they love that one down the mosque") before effortlessly segueing into his marvellous dinosaur impression. It's no surprise that he's fast gaining ground on the revolutionary underground comedian Paul Chowdhry, the outspoken nemesis of wholesome, traditional Asian comics and "a star in the making" (The Telegraph). Alongside these two there will be performances from the impressive 18-year-old gagsmith Ahir Shah and the sharp-witted Isma Almas. Being Jewish and from north London, Joe Bor is perhaps a surprising inclusion in the line-up - but not an unwelcome one. Bor, a former teaching assistant, ridicules with comic simplicity the penchant of today's youth for "your mum" quips. Given his profession, however, his skit about a PE teacher intent on getting boys into the shower is alarmingly convincing. Host for the night is arguably the most famous of the lot, the risqué Brummie stand-up Shazia Mirza, topping off what promises to be a night of Eastern hilarity.