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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260413T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260413T133000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20260217T120244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T141349Z
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SUMMARY:Beyond a Joke - report launch
DESCRIPTION:Counterpoints Arts is delighted to be co-hosting the launch of Beyond A Joke – Comedy and Social Change in the UK\, by Sam Beale\, supported by Unbound Philanthropy.\nDr Sam Beale is a comedy director\, writer\, teacher and researcher. She is a co-founder and co-director of Palestine Comedy Club (PalCom) and founder/ director of Funny Side Collective. \nTo celebrate and advocate live comedy as a tool for positive social change\, Beyond A Joke explores how comedy initiatives are building communities\, reducing social exclusion and improving mental health\, and examines the effectiveness of using humour as part of social justice campaigns. \nThe launch event will feature a presentation of the report plus a panel discussion from experienced comedy and social change practitioners:\n– Performer\, facilitator and story-maker\, Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi\n– The Comedy School Founder/Director\, Mr Keith Palmer MBE\n– Critic\, K. Biswas\n– Report author\, Dr Sam Beale \nChaired by Laith Elzubaidi (Counterpoints Arts) \nLight lunch will be served. \nThe report features projects and organisations currently working in the sector\, to identify existing good practice\, and considers opportunities for expansion and key challenges for the field. It is divided into three themed areas\, highlighting the principal ways that comedy and collective laughter can be catalysed for social change: \n\nComedy and community;\nComedy\, recovery and resilience;\nComedy and campaigning.\n\nIllustrative examples are loosely gathered under these themes with some crossovers. To support the report’s interpretative overview of the field\, each section includes the insights and reflections of comedy creators\, and providers and participants of ongoing projects. These identify current applications and impacts of comedy for social change practices and the skills\, methods and approaches. \nThe launch is an invite-only event. If you would like to attend please email hello@counterpoints.org.uk \nDownload Beyond A Joke (pdf)
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/beyond-a-joke-report-launch/
LOCATION:Shaftesbury Theatre\, 210 Shaftesbury Ave\, London\, WC2H 8DP\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BAJ-report-cover-image-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260227
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260403
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20260222T101518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T101833Z
UID:10000599-1772150400-1775174399@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Palestine Comedy Club film UK release
DESCRIPTION:A major new documentary feature film: on release across the UK from 27th February\nWhen six Palestinian comedians hit the road to tour a stand-up show across Palestine and Israel\, their search for humour amidst the injustice of everyday Palestinian life becomes a plea for humanity against in the face of brutal war. \nFull details of UK screenings and related events: toughcrowd.uk/screenings \nWhat’s funny about life under occupation? Palestine Comedy Club is a rollercoaster road-movie that follows six Palestinian stand-up comedians from Haifa\, Ramallah\, Jenin\, Hebron and the Golan Heights who devise and tour a stand-up comedy show exploring the unlikely\, often dark humour that circles the complex question of Palestinian identity. \nDespite the cultural and security challenges of touring six Palestinian comedians – all with different travel permissions – across checkpoints and borders to six theatres in Palestine and Israel\, audiences flock to the shows and the tour gains momentum through increasing public demand. \nWord spreads internationally and they are invited to London for a series of gigs starting\, tragically\, on Oct 7th\, 2023. Just as war breaks out at home\, the comedians prepare to perform in English for the first time to an increasingly conflicted British public. Suddenly\, the mission to connect with audiences with thoughtful humanity becomes an existential imperative. \nDirected by Alaa Aliabdallah and Charlotte Knowles \nProduced by Charlotte Knowles \nExecutive Producers: Carri Twigg\, Mikail Chowdhurry\, Farzana Rahman\, Esther van Messel and Maryam Pasha \nProduced in association with Counterpoints Productions
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/palestine-comedy-club-film-uk-release/
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Counterpoints Productions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/palcom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251221T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251221T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20251121T142734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T143130Z
UID:10000586-1766340000-1766347200@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:ALT B: Palestine Comedy Club x No Direction Home
DESCRIPTION:Palestine Comedy Club joins forces with Counterpoints Arts’ No Direction Home for a one-off fundraising comedy night at the Bush Theatre – celebrating sharp\, powerful and fiercely funny voices from across borders.\nFull details and booking via Bush Theatre \nPalestine Comedy Club (PalCom) is a Palestinian-UK collective fusing comic traditions from both cultures to develop live comedy unique to the Palestinian experience. The club is committed to supporting Palestinian comedians to hone their craft and tour in Palestine and beyond. \nMarking the end of the sold-out run of his acclaimed show The Horse of Jenin\, Alaa Shehada takes to the stage once more: co-founder of Palestine Comedy Club and a standout storyteller of life and laughter under occupation. He’s joined by Sami Abu Wardeh\, the razor-witted Palestinian-Irish rising star\, alongside brilliant talent from the No Direction Home team – the acclaimed project showcasing refugee and migrant comedians finding their voice on UK stages. \nHeadlining the night is the incomparable Nish Kumar\, bringing his signature political bite and blistering humour. \nExpect an evening of comedy that’s warm\, bold and boundary-breaking – a stage shared by artists whose stories resist\, reimagine and revel in the act of making people laugh. \nAll PalCom’s profits will support their mission to champion Palestinian artists\, develop new work and platform stories shaped by everyday realities under oppression.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/alt-b-palestine-comedy-club-x-no-direction-home/
LOCATION:Bush Theatre\, 7 Uxbridge Road Shepherd's Bush\, London\, W12 8LJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ALT-B-Palestine-Comedy-Club-x-No-Direction-Home.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251017T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251017T203000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250912T095750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T065455Z
UID:10000569-1760729400-1760733000@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home x Platforma
DESCRIPTION:The No Direction Home stand-up comedy collective comes to East Bergholt for one night only!\nA fun night of comedy featuring a fresh collective of stand-up comedians from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Produced by Counterpoints Arts as part of the Platforma Festival 2025. \nHosted by Laith Elzubaidi. Featuring Selam Amare\, Alaa Shasheet and Victor Rios \nOld Hall\, Rectory Hill\, East Bergholt\nFriday 17th October\n£5 entry on the door\nDoors open 7pm\nArrive early to ensure entry\nBar available\n07990802766\neastbergholtglobal@gmail.com \nFundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians\n(MAP registered charity: 1045316) \nLaith Elzubaidi is a British-Iraqi Comedy and Drama Screenwriter\, Director and Producer based in London. His recent play Insane Asylum Seekers was a sell-out hit at the Bush Theatre in London. \nA proud Ethiopian\, Selam Amare is an entrepreneur and comedian. Selam is the founder of Selam Le Ethiopia and Azmari Bet – an initiative that promotes Ethiopian culture through music\, performance and food. Selam has created a very funny and charming storytelling persona of her own\, sharing experiences of both Ethiopia and England. \nAlaa Shasheet is a newcomer to the comedy scene\, making appearances at open mics and gigs events in London. His material often touches on race and cultural differences\, drawing from his experiences as a Syrian refugee living in London. Through humour\, he shares relatable stories from life. \nNominated for the TV Collective’s Breakthrough Leaders Programme 2025\, Victor Rios is a performer\, artist\, theatre facilitator and filmmaker. Victor is the co-founder of LatinX Actors UK\, a database of Latin-American actors and performers based in the UK. He has worked with organisations including the Royal Festival Hall\, Red Cross\, Young Roots and Brixton House.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-x-platforma/
LOCATION:Old Hall\, Rectory Hill\, East Bergholt\, Colchester\, CO7 6TG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Platforma
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/0H9A0163.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251010T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251010T211500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250820T145931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T150452Z
UID:10000551-1760124600-1760130900@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Sami Abu Wardeh - Palestine: Peace de Resistance
DESCRIPTION:A historical collage of conflict\, colonialism and clowning from multi-talented Sami Abu Wardeh.\nThe rockstar voice of the Palestinian Diaspora’ – Alexei Sayle \nFresh from his award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe\, Sami Abu Wardeh brings his new show to the Ballroom in Diss\, presented in partnership with No 8 @ The Ballroom as part of Platforma 2025\, produced by Counterpoints Arts. \nFull details and booking \nYou can run from resistance but it will always catch up with you – as Sami finds out in his latest show. Join his open call for mass civil disobedience\, equitable distribution of hand puppets and more! Find out once and for all: can resistance be funny? \n“An absurdist response to an abominable situation … a compelling collage of historical storytelling\, jokes about colonialism\, and a silent-comedy style that remains defiantly goofy in the face of abomination.” ★★★★ The Guardian \n“Irish-Palestinian comic Sami Abu Wardeh’s densely layered Fringe comeback roars with defiance” ★★★★ FestMag \n“The show is thoughtful\, very visually funny and constantly has the audience laughing” ★★★★ British Theatre Guide \n“Charm\, humour\, and a presence that lingers long after he leaves the stage” ★★★★ The Wee Review \n“It just may be the most vital show you could and should see” ★★★★ The Comic’s Comic \nWinner of the Heart Award\, Edniburgh Festival Fringe 2025 \nWritten and Performed by Sami Abu-Wardeh\nDirected by Sam Beale\nProduced by Qasim Salam
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/sami-abu-wardeh-peace-de-resistance/
LOCATION:The Ballroom\, No 8 Marketplace\, Diss\, IP22 4AB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Platforma
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sami-diss-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250730T214500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250824T225500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250709T121527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T121527Z
UID:10000533-1753911900-1756076100@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Palestine: Peace de Resistance
DESCRIPTION:Edinburgh Fringe: A historical collage of conflict\, colonialism and clowning from multi-talented Sami Abu-Wardeh.\n‘The rockstar voice of the Palestinian Diaspora’ – Alexei Sayle\nBooking via The Pleasance\, Edinburgh \nYou can run from resistance but it will always catch up with you – as Sami finds out in his latest show. Join his open call for mass civil disobedience\, equitable distribution of hand puppets and more! Find out once and for all: can resistance be funny? \nThings are not well in the world\, we don’t know if you’ve heard. Sami Abu-Wardeh\, Channel 4’s The Sheikh\, 2022 comedy hour BEDU\, BBC Radio – returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with another non-stop clown-cum-standup hour of rage\, righteousness\, resistance and silly silly silly times.\nSami’s life was saved before he was born\, his father having boarded a bus to return to his homeland to fight for the Palestine Liberation Organization only to be turned back at the Jordanian border. Sami is a Palestinian born in exile\, only to then be displaced from his country of birth – Kuwait – by yet another war. These are a few of many moments of truth and sobering reality in this brand new 70 minutes\, added to the Pleasance Festival Fringe line-up at the last minute for 2025. \nAs our host for the evening tells us\, expect storytelling\, clowning\, cocktails and stand-up from a cast of (mostly*) mediterranean and Arab characters – each with a striking story to tell about their commitment to their human rights – a glimpse through time at the front lines of the resistance. \nSami doesn’t hold back\, digging into his family’s ties with resistance and the extraordinary choices of freedom fighters. As Sami finds out in Peace De Resistance\, his second solo comedy show\, you can run from resistance but it will always catch up with you. Come and join his open call for mass civil disobedience\, equitable distribution of hand puppets and more! Get ready to find out once and for all: can resistance actually be funny? \n*also birds. \nSami’s work and life experience speaks to the urgent issues of today. Join us for what may be one of the most politically charged happenings of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. \nPrevious Praise for Sami Abu-Wardeh:\n‘Blissfully funny while barely speaking a word…’ – ★★★★ The Guardian\n‘Outstandingly well written’ – ★★★★★ Everything Theatre\n‘The single funniest face I’ve seen in years.’ – – ★★★★ Chortle \nWritten and Performed by Sami Abu-Wardeh\nDirected by Sam Beale\nProduced by Qasim Salam\nSupported by Counterpoints and Palestine Comedy Club
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/palestine-peace-de-resistance/
LOCATION:Pleasance Dome\, 1 Bristo Square\, Edinburgh\, EH8 9AL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sami-peace-de-resistance.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250627T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250627T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250521T113622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T120437Z
UID:10000512-1751049000-1751054400@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home @ Cutty Sark
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Selam Amare\, with comedians Roann Hassani McCloskey\, Alaa Shehada and Victor Rios. \n6:30pm\, Cutty Sark\, pay what you can \nThis is part of a series of events at Royal Museums Greenwich to mark Refugee Week. \nEvent timings: \n\nDoors and bar open: 5.45pm\nEvent starts: 6.30pm\nEvent finishes: 8pm\n\nHost: A proud Ethiopian\, Selam Amare is an entrepreneur and comedian. Selam is the founder of Selam Le Ethiopia and Azmari Bet – an initiative that promotes Ethiopian culture through music\, performance and food. Selam has created a very funny and charming storytelling persona of her own\, sharing experiences of both Ethiopia and England. \nRoann Hassani McCloskey has over 10 years’ experience within the creative industries occupying many roles. They have worked as an award-winning writer (My Father the Tantric Masseur and Who Murdered My Cat?)\, director\, producer\, script supervisor\, production consultant and as an actor\, most recently at Shakespeare’s Globe (Macbeth). Roann is Algerian-British\, Queer and many other things that have led them to focus their storytelling on the heart and humour that runs through tragedy. Their work centres their curiosity and desire to bring stories left at the margins to the centre where they belong. \nAlaa Shehada is a Palestinian actor\, comedian and a graduate of The Freedom Theatre acting school in Jenin camp\, a Palestinian theatre company nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. He is also the co-founder of the Palestine Comedy Club – a platform for Palestinian comedians to share their stories\, humour and Palestinian culture. \nNominated for the TV Collective’s Breakthrough Leaders Programme 2025\, Victor Rios is a performer\, artist\, theatre facilitator and filmmaker. Victor is the co-founder of LatinX Actors UK\, a database of Latin-American actors and performers based in the UK. He has worked with organisations including the Royal Festival Hall\, Red Cross\, Young Roots and Brixton House. \nThe No Direction Home comedy collective has been running since 2019 to support new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nNo Direction Home is produced by Counterpoints Arts as part of our PopChange initiative.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-cutty-sark/
LOCATION:Cutty Sark\, King William Walk\, London\, SE10 9HT
CATEGORIES:Comedy,London Refugee Week,Pop Culture,Refugee Week
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NDH.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T211500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250509T114358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T114358Z
UID:10000498-1750536000-1750540500@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is it OK to Laugh?
DESCRIPTION:Sheffield Doc Fest presents an evening of comedy and conversation with the Palestine Comedy Club exploring how humour can challenge power\, shift narratives\, and hold space for difficult truths. \nBooking \nJoin us for a unique look at the making of Palestine Comedy Club\, a documentary that follows six Palestinian comedians as they journey across borders\, checkpoints\, and cultural divides to bring laughter to packed theatres in Palestine. \nThrough a mix of film clips\, live reflections\, and a taste of their comedy\, we explores the challenges of earning comic license in complex environments and connecting with audiences across vastly different backgrounds. \nMeet the team behind the film as they share insights on the creative process\, the resilience required to tour under difficult circumstances\, and the power of humour as a form of resistance\, connection\, and storytelling. \nSpeakers:\nAlaa ‘Regash’ Aliabdallah (Director\, Palestine Comedy Club)\nCharlotte Knowles (Producer\, Palestine Comedy Club and Founder\, Tough Crowd)\nAlaa Shehada (Comedian\, Storyteller & Co-Founder\, Palestine Comedy Club) \nModerator: Laith Elzubaidi (Pop Culture and Social Change Producer\, Counterpoints Arts) \nThis event is this age restricted to 16+\nSupported by Counterpoints Arts and Tough Crowd
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/is-it-ok-to-laugh/
LOCATION:Crucible Playhouse\, 55 Norfolk St\, Sheffield\, S1 1DA
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/palcom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250618T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250618T213000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250606T105555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T100821Z
UID:10000519-1750276800-1750282200@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home x Greene King
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a night of fresh stand-up comedy at The Tatterhalls Tavern in Knightsbridge from the No Direction Home collective\, plus 5-minute open mic spots for local comedians hosted by Laith Elzubaidi. Entrance is Free\, all welcome and opened from 8pm. Also featuring Selam Amare and Teddy. \nA special collaboration with Greene King for Refugee Week. \nEnthusiastic about getting into comedy? Book your open mic spot via email at 7263@greeneking.co.uk!
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-x-greene-king/
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Refugee Week
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/No-Direction-Home-Workshops-Instagram-Post-45-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250604T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250604T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250428T124918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T194017Z
UID:10000493-1749067200-1749070800@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Palestine Comedy Club - LIVE!
DESCRIPTION:Counterpoints Arts in association with Palestine House\, presents Palestine Comedy Club (PalCom) a Palestinian-UK collaboration fusing comic traditions from both cultures and supporting Palestinian comedians to tour in Palestine\, UK and beyond. \nBooking via Eventbrite \nFeaturing stand-up comedians Alaa Shehada\, Diana Sweity and Hanna Shammas. Plus special guest appearance from Sami Abu Wardeh. \nPalestine Comedy Club is a comedy production company established in the UK and Palestine by Palestinian stand-up comedian\, Alaa Shehada\, with assistance from comedy director\, writer and researcher Dr. Sam Beale\, and film producer\, Charlotte Knowles. \nUnder the leadership of Alaa Shehada\, Palestine Comedy Club is working to establish a stand-up comedy circuit across the West Bank providing space and funds for emerging stand-up comedy talent in the region to hone their craft and develop a culture of live comedy performance that is unique to the Palestinian experience. \nPalestine Comedy Club’s first show\, ‘Balad’ (بلد ) toured to venues in Ramallah\, Nablus\, Haifa\, Nazareth\, Jerusalem and Jenin in 2021. Performed by Alaa Shehada\, Hanna Shammas\, Raed Sheukhi\, Diana Swity\, Ebaa Monther and Khalil Al-Batran\, ‘Balad’ explores the complexity of Palestinian identity as it is experienced across the entire region\, from Hebron to the Golan Heights. \nThe show received excellent reviews and was described as “ laughter in extreme pain\, and a turning point towards a different comedy in Palestine.”
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/palestine-comedy-club-live/
LOCATION:Palestine House\, London\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PALCOM-STAND-UP-POSTER-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250524T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250524T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250407T165522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250425T141957Z
UID:10000482-1748113200-1748113200@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home presents: New Voices
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi \n7pm\, Hoxton Hall – May Scott Studio\, pay what you can \nJoin us for an evening of fresh stand-up from new comedians. Laughter guaranteed! Family friendly\, presented by Counterpoints Arts and Hoxton Hall as part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week. \nThe No Direction Home comedy collective has been running since 2019 to support new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nThe gig will be followed by a discussion about the role of comedy in supporting mental health and well-being\, with audience Q&A. \n\nYasmeen Audisho Ghrawi is a performer and comedian. Her new show From The Daughter of a Dictator is touring the UK in 2025. She leads facilitation for No Direction Home workshops.\n\nNo Direction Home is produced by Counterpoints Arts as part of our PopChange initiative.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-presents-new-voices/
LOCATION:Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton Street\, London\, N1 6SH
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Creativity & Wellbeing Week,Mental Health
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Copy-of-EDITABLE-No-Direction-Home-Poster-1920-x-1080-px.png.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T203000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20250303T094911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250310T153340Z
UID:10000479-1745089200-1745094600@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home presents: Anastasia and Loraine
DESCRIPTION:No Direction Home presents: Anastasia and Loraine\, hosted by Selam Amare. PLUS special guest comedians to be announced. \nSaturday 19th April\, May Scott Studio @ Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton St\, London N1 6SH \n7-8.30pm \nBooking (Pay What You Can) \nAnastasia Chokuwamba and Loraine Mponela are Coventry-based comedians and performers who have emerged as stand-out stars of the No Direction Home refugee comedy collective produced by Counterpoints Arts. They bring humour to their insights into live in the asylum system\, and fresh takes on life in the UK. They have performed with No Direction Home at gigs across the country including at London’s Soho Theatre and Southbank Centre and Greenbelt Festival\, appearing with guest headliners such as Rob Delany\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Romesh Ranganathan. Loraine is also a poet – her second collection\, Now I Sing\, was published in 2023. \nSelam Amare is a cultural producer\, comedian\, and advocate of migrant issues in London. She runs Azmari Bet\, and is passionate about platforming her native Ethiopian culture by promoting Ethiopian music styles\, artists\, food\, and dance. \nThe No Direction Home comedy collective has been running since 2019 to support new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. It is produced by Counterpoints Arts as part of their PopChange initiative. \n★★★★A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is Bruce Dessau\, The Standard
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-presents-anastasia-and-loraine/
LOCATION:Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton Street\, London\, N1 6SH
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NDH-Anastasia-Loraine-Selam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241012T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241012T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20240829T122333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T122333Z
UID:10000458-1728763200-1728766800@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home @ Journeys Festival
DESCRIPTION:Our comedy collective No Direction Home comes to Journeys Festival in Leicester\, featuring Selam Amare\, Anastasia Chokuwamba and Loraine Mponela. \nThe gig will be hosted by Rahul Somia who has been nominated for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award. \nFull details and booking \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home as part of our PopChange work: it’s a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nCreated in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, we have run several series of workshops and more than 25 gigs\, featuring guest headliners such as Nish Kumar\, Romesh Ranganathan\, Rosie Jones\, Rob Delaney\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Sindhu Vee. \n‘A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is ‘ ★★★★ Standard
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-journeys-festival/
LOCATION:Curve Theatre\, 60 Rutland St\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/rahul-copy.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240824T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240824T191500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20240819T132331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T130026Z
UID:10000455-1724524200-1724526900@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home at Greenbelt Festival
DESCRIPTION:Our comedy collective No Direction Home is on tour at Greenbelt Festival Sat 24th August featuring Anastasia Chokuwamba\, Loraine Mponela and Selam Amare. \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home as part of our PopChange work: it’s a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nCreated in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, we have run several series of workshops and more than 25 gigs\, featuring guest headliners such as Nish Kumar\, Romesh Ranganathan\, Rosie Jones\, Rob Delaney\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Sindhu Vee. \n‘A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is ‘ ★★★★ Standard
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-at-greenbelt-festival/
LOCATION:Greenbelt Festival\, Broughton House\, Kettering\, N14 1BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/No-Direction-Home-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240621
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240624
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20240514T165347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144533Z
UID:10000417-1718928000-1719187199@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home on tour!
DESCRIPTION:Our stand-up comedy collective are heading off around the country to bring their unique brand of humour to three different venues for Refugee Week. \n21 June – Merlin Theatre\, Frome \nFeaturing Selam Amare\, Pepa Duarte and Usman Khalid\, hosted by Roann Hassani McCloskey. \n22 June HOME\, Manchester \nFeaturing Selam Amare and Teddy with guest headliner Tadiwa Mahlunge\, hosted by Yasmeen Ghrawi \n23 June in Peterborough \nFatiha El-Ghorri\, Selam Amare and Teddy\, hosted by Yasmeen Ghrawi. \nProduced by Counterpoints Arts\, No Direction Home have performed more than 25 gigs across the country and currently have a monthly residency at Soho Theatre in London. \nNish Kumar says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny\, the material is really good.” \n‘A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is’ ★★★★ Standard
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-on-tour/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CA_NoDirectionHome_NishKumar_20Jan19-70.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240415T213000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240415T223000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20240304T143021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144535Z
UID:10000400-1713216600-1713220200@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home featuring Sara Pascoe
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the latest gig in our brilliant stand-up comedy collaboration with Show & Tell and Soho Theatre\, headlined by Sara Pascoe\, hosted by Laura Smyth and featuring two No Direction Home comedians (tbc) \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home\, a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. Created in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry. Previous shows have featured headliners such as Sindhu Vee\, Nish Kumar\, Rosie Jones and Romesh Ranganathan. \nFull details and booking: https://sohotheatre.com/events/no-direction-home-3/ \nhttps://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NDH-Second-Vox-Pops.mp4\n
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-featuring-sara-pascoe/
LOCATION:Soho Theatre\, 21 Dean St\, London\, W1D 3NE
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SaraPascoe.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240304T213000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240304T223000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20240209T132555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144536Z
UID:10000397-1709587800-1709591400@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home @ Soho Theatre
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a new run of our brilliant stand-up comedy collaboration with Show & Tell and Soho Theatre\, starting with a gig headlined by Sophie Duker\, hosted by Fatiha El-Ghorri and featuring No Direction Home comedians Teddy and Selam Amare. \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home\, a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. Created in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry. Previous shows have featured headliners such as Romesh Ranganathan\, Nish Kumar\, Joel Dommett\, Lou Sanders\, Suzi Ruffell and more. \n \nSelam Amare is a cultural producer\, comedian\, and advocate of migrant issues in London. She joined No Direction Home in 2019 and has since worked with Counterpoints Arts\, producing part of No Direction Home standup comedy event series. One of Selam’s projects is Azmari Bet\, she is passionate about platforming her native Ethiopian culture by promoting Ethiopian music styles\, artists\, food\, and dance. \n \nTeddy is an actor\, poet\, and comedian. He was part of the first No Direction Home cohort and has performed at venues including Camden People’s Theatre and Southbank Centre. Teddy engages with Phosphoros Theatre\, leads workshops for refugee youth\, and collaborates with education and mental health professionals. He’s a prolific poet\, performing at Ethiopian community events.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-soho-theatre-2/
LOCATION:Soho Theatre\, 21 Dean St\, London\, W1D 3NE
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NDH_MARCH_SOPHIE-DUKER_1000x500.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231211T211500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231211T221500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20231215T143534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144536Z
UID:10000387-1702329300-1702332900@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home with Shaparak Khorsandi
DESCRIPTION:The latest show in our season at Soho Theatre will be hosted by Sarah Keyworth with guest headliner Shaparak Khorsandi. \nBook Tickets \nPresented by Show And Tell with Counterpoints Arts\, the gigs feature line-ups of new voices from refugee and migrant backgrounds alongside some of the biggest names in British comedy. \nNo Direction Home was established by Counterpoints Arts with Camden People’s Theatre and top stand-up Tom Parry\, who has mentored the group. \nThey have already won over audiences in a variety of venues in London and around the country\, and have now secured their second West End run. \nTV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar\, says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny. The material is really good.” \nNo Direction Home performers are new talents with backgrounds in countries including Syria\, Iran\, Iraq\, Ethiopia and Mali. \nYasmeen Ghrawi says: “No Direction Home is a space to show up/stand up\, a space to be seen and heard\, a space of celebration. We come from places of varying remoteness to the UK\, some of us fresh off the back of a truck\, others migrated here years ago. We hope to keep sharing the love – and our jokes.” \nShow And Tell is an award-winning production company of live comedy\, with a national and international programme of events. With teams in London and New York\, we seek to play an integral role in the live performance careers of many world-class and emerging talents in both the UK and US.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-with-shaparak-khorsandi/
LOCATION:Soho Theatre\, 21 Dean St\, London\, W1D 3NE
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NDH_RPF_270619-7-small.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231010T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231010T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20230916T174741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144538Z
UID:10000353-1696966200-1696971600@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Palestine Comedy Club (Bristol)
DESCRIPTION:Counterpoints Arts\, The Palestine Museum in Bristol and the Palestine Comedy Club present a unique night of stand-up comedy! Featuring top Palestinian comedians Alaa Shehada\, Hanna Shammas and Diana Sweity on their first UK tour – performing in English. \nBOOK NOW (£7/£5) \nPalestine Comedy Club (PalCom) is a comedy production company established in the UK and Palestine by Palestinian stand-up comedian\, Alaa Shehada\, with assistance from senior lecturer in comedy and solo performance at Middlesex University\, Dr. Sam Beale\, and film producer\, Charlotte Knowles. \nUnder the leadership of Alaa Shehada\, Palestine Comedy Club is working to establish a stand-up comedy circuit across the West Bank providing space and funds for emerging stand-up comedy talent in the region to hone their craft and develop a culture of live comedy performance that is unique to the Palestinian experience. \nThe Palestine Museum in Bristol was founded in 2013\, and is run entirely by volunteers It explores Palestinian culture\, heritage and daily life. \n \nPresented by Counterpoints Arts with the Palestine Museum as part of the Platforma festival 2023 \nMore about PalCom \nPalestine Comedy Club’s first show\, ‘Balad’ (بلد ) toured to venues in Ramallah\, Nablus\, Haifa\, Nazareth\, Jerusalem and Jenin in 2022. Performed by Alaa Shehada\, Hanna Shammas\, Raed Sheukhi\, Diana Sweity\, Ebaa Monther and Khalil Al-Batran\, ‘Balad’ explores the complexity of Palestinian identity as it is experienced across the entire region\, from Hebron to the Golan Heights. \nThe show received excellent reviews and was described as “ laughter in extreme pain\, and a turning point towards a different comedy in Palestine.” \nPalCom delivers workshops to non-performers including in women’s centres and refugee camps. We have taught in Ramallah\, in the Korean Centre\, Hebron\, at the Ibaa Cultural Centre in Dheishah Camp\, Bethlehem\, and at the women’s centre in Jenin. We have also held workshops at Nablus Performing Arts and Circus School. These workshops gave local people an opportunity to share personal stories and explore stand-up skills as a form of personal and cultural expression.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/palestine-comedy-club-bristol/
LOCATION:Palestine Museum\, 27 Broad St\, Bristol\, BS1 2HG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Platforma
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PalCom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231009T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231009T201500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20230827T135027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144538Z
UID:10000350-1696878900-1696882500@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home with Palestine Comedy Club (London)
DESCRIPTION:As part of our autumn run at Soho Theatre in partnership with Show And Tell\, we are collaborating with the Palestine Comedy Club (PalCom) to present guest performers Alaa Shehada\, Diana Sweity and Hanna Shammas on their first UK tour – performing in English. \nThe gig will be hosted by Thanyia Moore\, with guest headliner Catherine Bohart. \nPalestine Comedy Club (PalCom) is a comedy production company established in the UK and Palestine by Palestinian stand-up comedian\, Alaa Shehada\, with assistance from senior lecturer in comedy and solo performance at Middlesex University\, Dr. Sam Beale\, and film producer\, Charlotte Knowles. \nUnder the leadership of Alaa Shehada\, Palestine Comedy Club is working to establish a stand-up comedy circuit across the West Bank providing space and funds for emerging stand-up comedy talent in the region to hone their craft and develop a culture of live comedy performance that is unique to the Palestinian experience. \nBOOK TICKETS \nThere is also a panel event with PalCom from 4.30pm at 21 Soho \nMore about PalCom \nPalestine Comedy Club’s first show\, ‘Balad’ (بلد ) toured to venues in Ramallah\, Nablus\, Haifa\, Nazareth\, Jerusalem and Jenin in 2022. Performed by Alaa Shehada\, Hanna Shammas\, Raed Sheukhi\, Diana Sweity\, Ebaa Monther and Khalil Al-Batran\, ‘Balad’ explores the complexity of Palestinian identity as it is experienced across the entire region\, from Hebron to the Golan Heights. \nThe show received excellent reviews and was described as “ laughter in extreme pain\, and a turning point towards a different comedy in Palestine.” \nPalCom delivers workshops to non-performers including in women’s centres and refugee camps. They have taught in Ramallah\, in the Korean Centre\, Hebron\, at the Ibaa Cultural Centre in Dheishah Camp\, Bethlehem\, and at the women’s centre in Jenin. We have also held workshops at Nablus Performing Arts and Circus School. These workshops gave local people an opportunity to share personal stories and explore stand-up skills as a form of personal and cultural expression. \nUpcoming No Direction Home dates at Soho Theatre: \nNov 13: Hosted by Michael Akadiri \nDec 11: Headlined by Shaparak Khorsandi \nSoho Theatre\, 21 Dean St London W1D 3NE\nTickets from £15\nwww.sohotheatre.com \nBook tickets \n020 7478 0100 \n \nPresented by Show And Tell with Counterpoints Arts\, the gigs feature line-ups of new voices from refugee and migrant backgrounds alongside some of the biggest names in British comedy. \nNo Direction Home was established by Counterpoints Arts with Camden People’s Theatre and top stand-up Tom Parry\, who has mentored the group. \nThey have already won over audiences in a variety of venues in London and around the country\, and have now secured their second West End run. \nTV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar\, says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny. The material is really good.” \nNo Direction Home performers are new talents with backgrounds in countries including Syria\, Iran\, Iraq\, Ethiopia and Mali. \nYasmeen Ghrawi says: “No Direction Home is a space to show up/stand up\, a space to be seen and heard\, a space of celebration. We come from places of varying remoteness to the UK\, some of us fresh off the back of a truck\, others migrated here years ago. We hope to keep sharing the love – and our jokes.” \nShow And Tell is an award-winning production company of live comedy\, with a national and international programme of events. With teams in London and New York\, we seek to play an integral role in the live performance careers of many world-class and emerging talents in both the UK and US.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-soho-theatre/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PALCOM-POSTER_2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230714
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230717
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20230718T104610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144958Z
UID:10000007-1689292800-1689551999@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home at Byline Times Festival
DESCRIPTION:The Counterpoints Arts comedy collective No Direction Home will be performing at The Byline Times Festival in Dartington\, with a special guest headliner. \nDartington Trust and Byline Times Festival is a weekend of ideas\, food\, dancing and thinking about how we can change the world for the better. \nOriginally a three-day event in Sussex\, in 2023 Byline is collaborating with Dartington Trust on their beautiful estate in Devon. \nMore information: https://www.dartington.org/whats-on/info/byline/
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-at-byline-times-festival/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/byline-festival.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230623T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230623T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20230516T064638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z
UID:10000036-1687541400-1687546800@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home comedy in Nottingham
DESCRIPTION:For Nottingham Refugee Week\, a special stand-up comedy gig from our No Direction Home collective. \n“The evening will kick off at 5.30 with beautiful free food and drink from the Syrian Vegan Kitchen and a chance to mingle before the gig starts at 6pm. Join us for the most fun you’ll have in the hostile environment this year… Because sometimes\, it’s better to laugh than cry.” \nNo Direction Home was established by Counterpoints Arts with Camden People’s Theatre and top stand-up Tom Parry\, who has mentored the group. \nThey have already won over audiences in a variety of venues in London and around the country\, and have now secured their first West End run. \nTV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar\, says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny. The material is really good.”
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-comedy-in-nottingham/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CA_NoDirectionHome_NishKumar_20Jan19-107.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230403T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230626T000000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20230301T100025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144958Z
UID:10000038-1680480000-1687737600@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home comedy at Soho Theatre
DESCRIPTION:UPDATE: All gigs are now sold out. Check back for more dates this autumn! \nNo Direction Home\, The UK’s first – and funniest – refugee comedy collective are coming to Soho Theatre for three groundbreaking gigs with their very special guests. \nStarting on 3rd April\, with guest headliner Nish Kumar\, the No Direction Home stand-ups will bring their unique perspectives to London’s premier comedy venue. \nPresented by Show And Tell with Counterpoints Arts\, the three gigs in April\, May and June will feature line-ups of new voices from refugee and migrant backgrounds alongside some of the biggest names in British comedy. \nConfirmed guest hosts and headliners: \nApril 3: Hosted by Jessica Fostekew\, headlined by Nish Kumar\, with Teddy\, Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi\, Anastasia Chokuwamba \nMay 22: Hosted by Fatiha El-Ghorri\, headlined by Bridget Christie \nJune 26: Hosted by Chloe Petts\, headlined by Sindhu Vee \nSoho Theatre\, 21 Dean St London W1D 3NE\nTickets £14 – £18\nwww.sohotheatre.com \nBook tickets \n020 7478 0100 \nNo Direction Home was established by Counterpoints Arts with Camden People’s Theatre and top stand-up Tom Parry\, who has mentored the group. \nThey have already won over audiences in a variety of venues in London and around the country\, and have now secured their first West End run. \nTV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar\, says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny. The material is really good.” \nNo Direction Home performers are new talents with backgrounds in countries including Syria\, Iran\, Iraq\, Ethiopia and Mali. \nYasmeen Ghrawi says: “No Direction Home is a space to show up/stand up\, a space to be seen and heard\, a space of celebration. We come from places of varying remoteness to the UK\, some of us fresh off the back of a truck\, others migrated here years ago. We hope to keep sharing the love – and our jokes.” \nShow And Tell is an award-winning production company of live comedy\, with a national and international programme of events. With teams in London and New York\, we seek to play an integral role in the live performance careers of many world-class and emerging talents in both the UK and US.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-comedy-at-soho-theatre/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221012T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221012T213000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20220923T114553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145001Z
UID:10000042-1665604800-1665610200@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home... in Devon!
DESCRIPTION:Schedule in some uncontrollable laughter with No Direction Home — an evening of live stand-up comedy presented by Counterpoints Arts at Dartington Trust’s Great Hall\, in Totnes\, Devon. Laugh alongside our host\, Exeter-based award-winning comedian Tom Parry\, as he introduces guest celebrities and new hilarious voices. \nNish Kumar says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny!” \nThe No Direction Home comedy collective\, produced by Counterpoints Arts\, supports people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to learn the skills of stand-up. Founded in 2018\, in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, they’ve since performed sell-out gigs around the country including at London’s Southbank Centre and the Edinburgh Fringe\, alongside leading comedians including Nish Kumar\, Rogesh Ramananthan\, Suzi Ruffell\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Athena Kugblenu. New No Direction Home collectives have been established in Coventry and Greece. \nThe full lineup of comedians for the night: \n\nTom Parry is a screenwriter\, director\, comedian and podcaster. He is one-third of the award-winning ‘Pappy’s’\, nominated twice for the Edinburgh Comedy Award\, and has performed two sell-out solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe — ‘Parryoke’ in 2019 and ‘Yellow T-Shirt’ in 2015. Tom was a co-founder of the No Direction Home comedy collective produced by Counterpoints Arts.\nEmily Bampton is an exciting new voice in comedy\, recently shortlisted for BBC New Comedian of the Year 2022. She performs improvised comedy with the legendary Oxford Imps and is working on her first pilot for a comedy drama series\, Cash Grab. \nLoraine Mponela\, a migrants rights campaigner based in Coventry and originally from Malawi\, joined the No Direction Home comedy collective in 2021 and has since performed several gigs including a sold-out show at London’s Southbank Centre. \nSuchandrika Chakrabarti writes for Radio 4’s The News Quiz and The Now Show and debuted her comedy show “I Miss Amy Winehouse” at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. She also co-hosts the comedy podcast\, But Is It Funny?\, produced by Counterpoints Arts. \nYasmeen Audisho Ghrawi is a Queer Iraqi/Syrian/Assyrian performer and theatre-maker who\, after a lifetime of censorship\, is emerging to share joy\, pleasure\, and hairy relics of wisdom and truth. She’s been a member of the No Direction Home comedy collective since 2020\, and has performed her solo show “From the Daughter of a Dictator” around the country including the Weapons of Mass Hilarity Comedy Festival.\n\nAlongside this event\, Tom Parry has been running a series of No Direction Home comedy workshops with asylum seekers in Plymouth\, in collaboration with Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support. \nThis comedy night is presented alongside Counterpoints’ Pop Culture & Social Change Retreat at Dartington Hall (12-14 October)\, bringing together a group of 50 change-making entertainment producers\, artists\, cultural innovators\, activists and philanthropists committing to building long-term narrative power for Black\, POC\, migrant and refugee communities. \nDetails:\n\nWednesday\, 12th October\, 8-9:30pm\nDartington’s’ Great Hall\, Totnes TQ9 6EL\, United Kingdom\nTickets £10 (50% of proceeds to be donated to Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support)\nAges 16+\, wheelchair accessible (for further accessibility requirements\, email boxoffice@dartington.org)\n\nBOOK ONLINE VIA DARTINGTON TRUST \n// \nTom Parry is a screenwriter\, director\, comedian and podcaster. His debut feature film script “Your Christmas Or Mine” has just been filmed by Amazon Studio’s (release date November 2022). He is one-third of the award-winning ‘Pappy’s’\, nominated twice for the Edinburgh Comedy Award\, and has performed two sell-out solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe — ‘Parryoke’ in 2019 and ‘Yellow T-Shirt’ in 2015 for which he was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award and was adapted into the acclaimed Radio 4 series ‘Fancy Dressed Life’. \nCounterpoints Arts is a leading UK organisation in the field of arts\, migration and cultural change. It’s mission is to support and produce the arts by and about migrants and refugees\, seeking to ensure that their contributions are recognized and welcomed within British arts\, history and culture. Its PopChange Initiative explores how to pop culture for social change\, shifting narratives about migration and displacement. \nDartington Trust\, founded in 1925\, is a thriving visitor destination and charity supporting learning in arts\, ecology and social justice\, set on a beautiful 1\,200 acre estate in the South Devon countryside. Throughout its history it has drawn leading artists and thinkers including Bernard Leach\, composer Igor Stravinsky\, cellist Jacqueline du Pre\, musician Ravi Shankar\, playwright Bernard Shaw and environmental activist Vandana Shiva.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-in-devon/
LOCATION:Dartington Trust\, Totnes\, TQ9 6EL
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MCH_1VA1748-Counterpoints-RW2022-597-1820x1215-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220408T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220408T000000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20220323T133222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145006Z
UID:10000080-1649376000-1649376000@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home - Borderings
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a night of laughter from the brilliant No Direction Home\, hosted by Ola Labib\, with Yasmeen Ghawri\, Selam Amare\, Edin Suljic\, Charly Monreal. \nNo Direction Home is a comedy collective produced by Counterpoints Arts featuring new stand-ups from refugee and migrant backgrounds. They’ve performed sell-out gigs around the country including at London’s Southbank Centre and the Edinburgh Fringe. Nish Kumar says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny!” \nHost Ola Labib is a star of the comedy circuit being the only Black\, Muslim\, female\, Sudanese comedian currently performing in the UK. She has already gained serious ground on the circuit\, performed on TV shows such as Mo Gilligan’s Lateish and has no intention of slowing down. \nPresented as part of Borderings \nPlease note that we can only offer a limited number of Unwaged tickets. Do not purchase one of these unless you have a legitimate need. \n\n\n
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-borderings/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ola-Labib-4.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210928T163000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210928T183000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20210914T151142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145008Z
UID:10000156-1632846600-1632853800@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Stand-Up Comedy and the Critical Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Join Counterpoints Arts for the next event in our PopChange Salon Series featuring a live recording of our new podcast “But Is It Funny?” which puts comedy criticism in the spotlight. \nPanellists Suchandrika Chakrabarti (comic and writer)\, Jamal Khadar (writer and researcher) and Brian Logan (comedy critic for The Guardian) will be discussing current issues in stand-up and highlighting upcoming gigs and events. \nFollowing the recording\, PopChange Salon Series host\, K Biswas\, will lead a reflective discussion where you can have your say on what topics you think future episodes should be covering. The aim is to extend and diversify comedy criticism\, bringing a wider range of insights into mainstream and emerging work. \nFree booking via Eventbrite \nAbout the “But Is It Funny?” Podcast: \nLaunching in September 2021\, this weekly podcast features Suchandrika Chakrabarti (comic and writer)\, Jamal Khadar (writer and researcher) and Brian Logan (comedy critic for The Guardian) discussing issues and highlights of the stand-up comedy scene in the UK. \nBuilding on Counterpoints Arts’ No Direction Home comedy project — which trains a new generation of stand-up comedians with migrant and refugee backgrounds — and its recent PopChange Retreat\, “But Is It Funny?” recognises that more diverse critical conversations can have a significant role in opening access and broadening audiences. For example\, is improv discriminatory? Do Middle Eastern performers only make jokes about terrorists? Can refugees ever be funny? \nWhile comedy has soared in popularity across the UK and internationally\, critical conversations have continued to be less prominent than for other artforms. “But Is It Funny?”\, the first regular podcast to focus on comedy criticism\, will help address that shortcoming. \nHosted by Counterpoints Arts‘ PopChange Initiative\, this is the second of five PopChange Salons in 2021 exploring the opportunities for real change presented within the New Brave world Report (2021)\, hosted by K Biswas. The Salon Series will explore racial justice\, comedy\, TV\, gaming and narrative change.
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/stand-up-comedy-and-the-critical-conversation/
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Learning,Pop Culture
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210918T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210918T213000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20210825T151233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145008Z
UID:10000160-1631995200-1632000600@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:Comedy at the Museum of the Home
DESCRIPTION:As part of the Festival of Home enjoy a night of laughter from the brilliant No Direction Home\, hosted by Mo Omar\, with guest headliner Fatiha El-Ghorri and Yasin Moradi\, Selam Amare and Loraine Mponela. \nFull information and booking \nNo Direction Home is a comedy collective produced by Counterpoints Arts featuring new stand-ups from refugee and migrant backgrounds. They’ve performed sell-out gigs around the country including at London’s Southbank Centre and the Edinburgh Fringe. \nHost Mo Omar is a rising star of the comedy circuit who has appeared on Harry Hill’s Club Nite (ITV) and Stand Up for Live Comedy (BBC). \nGuest headliner Fatiha El-Ghorri is a London-based comedian who performs around the country and internationally. Her most recent TV appearance was on the Jonathan Ross Comedy Club (ITV). \n“The No Direction Home comedians are a veryexciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny!”\nNish Kumar
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/comedy-at-the-museum-of-the-home/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210722T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210722T211500
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20210712T102414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145008Z
UID:10000164-1626984000-1626988500@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home x LIMBO
DESCRIPTION:Live stand-up comedy online\, marking the release of critically acclaimed film LIMBO\, hosted by MUBI and Counterpoints Arts. \nBefore the critically acclaimed film LIMBO hits cinemas on 30 July\, enjoy a night of stand-up comedy with No Direction Home comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Along with your host Mo Omar\, the night will be introduced by Vikash Bhai\, star of LIMBO\, Ben Sharrock’s new film following a group of asylum seekers on a fictional remote Scotitish island. \nPlus performances from No Direction Home stand-ups Abdul Tahhan\, Selam Amare\, Loraine Mponela and Krzysia Balinska! \nLIMBO is a wry\, funny and poignant cross-cultural comedy-drama that sews together the hardship and hope of the refugee experience. Exploring themes spanning guilt\, regret and grief that come with leaving one life behind to embark on another\, this deadpan comedy-drama from a bold new voice in British film shines a light on the hearts and lives of those at the centre of a crisis that is mostly only experienced through headlines. \nLIMBO comes to cinemas on July 30 and exclusively to curated streaming platform MUBI later in the year. \nFree: booking required
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-x-limbo/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210614
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210628
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20210609T160052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145008Z
UID:10000174-1623628800-1624838399@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home in Coventry
DESCRIPTION:As part of Coventry Welcomes\, Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 is producing a series of in-person and online gigs in partnership with Counterpoints Arts and our No Direction Home comedy project. \nGuest headliners include Shappi Khorsandi\, Nish Kumar\, Kai Samra and Rosie Jones. \nGigs will be hosted by Stella Graham. \nFull details here: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/no-direction-home/ \nAnd here: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/no-direction-home-coventry-showcase-online/
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-in-coventry/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210318T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210318T200000
DTSTAMP:20260529T223928
CREATED:20210301T170450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145415Z
UID:10000207-1616097600-1616097600@counterpoints.org.uk
SUMMARY:No Direction Home with Nabil Abdulrashid
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of laughter hosted by the brilliant Mo Omar and featuring new comedians from the No Direction Home Collective: Meron\, Krzysia Blainska\, Abdul Tahhan and Nour-ani Sisserian. Plus special guest headliners Fatiha El-Ghorri and Britain’s Got Talent sensation Nabil Abdulrashid. \nProduced by as part of our PopChange programme. \nNo Direction Home is a pioneering project featuring stand-up comedians from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, mentored by award winning comedian Tom Parry. It was created by Counterpoints Arts in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and Tom Parry. Since 2018 they have performed gigs around the country\, including at the Southbank Centre in London. \nGuest headliners including Romesh Ranganathan\, Nish Kumar\, Sindhu Vee\, Joel Dommett and Suzi Ruffell have also spent time with the group and shared tips and advice. Nish Kumar says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny! The material is really good.” \nRead an article about No Direction Home in The Guardian \nNabil Abdulrashid reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 and will launch a nationwide tour later this year. \n \nFatiha El-Ghorri has performed at comedy clubs across the country and was recently a guest on the ITV show Jonathan Ross Comedy Club \n \nMo Omar is a fast-rising comedy talent with a unique perspective & TV appearances including on Harry Hill’s Club Nite. \n \nThis gig is presented in partnership with Refugee Action\, TERN & Haven Coffee
URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-with-nabil-abdulrashid/
CATEGORIES:Comedy
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