Leila Navabi review: Proof they are the Actual Future of Comedy

Image: Collective14 Imagery

The world’s most prolific lesbian Leila Navabi has had quite the last few years, as their show Composition demonstrates.

We’ve been following closely (in a fun, chill way) and it’s amazing to see their frankly excessive talent being acknowledged.

Leila starts with just a piano and enters wearing a plain white shirt, which hit me in the face within approx. 30 seconds of starting (brag). Over the hour, they reveal hidden layers to their performance, life and musical abilities with resolute pace and energy.

From falling in love with the girl who pierced their ears, to coping with trauma through writing a rap about potatoes (which they’re far too embarrassed about by the way — I’d be proud to have written that actually, let alone any of the other songs), Leila gives us a whirlwind account of life growing up a Brown, gay imp in Wales, some unexpected attention they get from the potato rap, and what happens as a result.

Now. There’s a bit here in the middle that I haven’t finished processing yet. It involves a caller into BBC Radio Wales and some hamsters, and I can’t say anything else about it for fear of ruining the surprise, but it’s a fucking genius insert into a comedy show. You’re not ready, and it will stay with you.

The ebb and flow between stand-up and songs is brilliantly done — Leila’s equal talents for both frame each other beautifully — and their connection to the audience is heartily reciprocated from the get go. They express their feelings and opinions passionately and totally uninhibited. They speak honestly and uniquely about what the world of comedy wants and expects from them, what we the audience wants and expects, and what they’re willing to give. Honestly, I’ll take any of it.

I’ve said it before and I will never stop saying it: here is your proof that Leila is the actual future of comedy.

Leila Navabi: Composition is at Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 9:45pm, until August 27th. Tickets here