Urooj Ashfaq review: A compelling personality that keeps everyone hooked

Urooj Ashfaq tells a man in the front row that his mum is in hell with a giant smile on her face. It’s maybe not the kind of crowdwork you’d expect from a comedian who seems as personable as she, but somehow it only adds to her charm.

And charm she has in spades. Urooj is one of the Soho Theatre India’s contingent for this year’s Fringe, and spends most of the show speaking about her parents’ divorce and her decision to go to therapy — something she says makes her an edgy comedian in her hometown of Mumbai, but obviously less so here.

The lack of edge in her comedy isn’t a problem though; she is extremely enjoyable company for the next hour. It’s almost a surprise now if a comedian doesn’t mention being in therapy (everyone, go to therapy!), but Urooj has a unique angle, and one that she executes with precision. As the only one in her friend group who can afford it, she describes being the designated driver for all of her friends’ problems, ferrying them back and forth and creating a reputation with her therapist she’s not pleased with.

The cherry on top of this show are the seventh grade diary excerpts and one-liners she pulls out of her pocket at the end — it’s an extra sprinkle of fun on a show that didn’t even really need it but it gives her the opportunity to pretend to be a lizard on the back wall of the venue.

The material itself is strong, but it’s Urooj’s compelling personality that keeps everyone hooked.

Urooj Ashfaq: Oh No! is at Assembly George Square (Crate) at 8:50pm, until August 27th. Tickets here.