"You see more and more different Asian voices on TV now."
British comedian Shazia Mirza is set to headline a show in her hometown as part of the UK debut of the Serendipity Arts Festival.
She’s bringing her signature humour and honest storytelling to the stage.
Speaking ahead of the event, Shazia expressed her excitement at performing in Birmingham, a city known for its vibrancy and diversity:
“Birmingham is such a multicultural and diverse city. It really is unlike any other city in Britain.
“There are so many stories and so much culture to celebrate and laugh about, and that everyone can relate to. I am honoured to be taking part.”
While the festival may be new to the UK, its multi-disciplinary approach to creativity is what appealed to Shazia:
“This is a new arts festival, so I wanted to support it; also, it has such a great variety of events. Music, film, poetry, visual events and comedy.
“Such a great all-round programme of events, I thought this is a great festival for everyone.
“I have done a lot of comedy festivals, which just have comedy on, but this is something different.”
Known for weaving themes of identity, politics, and culture into her stand-up, Shazia believes humour is a powerful tool for reflection:
“Any art form can contribute to thought and discussion. A lot of comedy comes from people’s backgrounds and life stories.
“The great thing about comedy is that really, you can say anything you want, no one is stopping you and as long as it’s funny, it can be material.
“You can talk about anything: life, death, love, parents, marriage, and all kinds of disasters in people’s lives.”
Audiences attending the Serendipity Arts Festival can expect an evening of laughter and connection, as she promises a show packed with energy and insight:
“People know my comedy from TV, Radio, tours, etc., so they know they will have a good old laugh, and a lot of fun.
“I have done many shows in Birmingham over the years, so people know they will have a good time.”
Reflecting on her journey as one of the few South Asian female comedians in the UK, she noted the slow but important progress being made:
“When I first started comedy, there were only two Asian women on the circuit, and now there’s about five, so things are moving… could be faster, but at least it’s moving.
“You see more and more different Asian voices on TV now, and that’s great.”
“It’s been much needed and makes comedy to watch so much better and so much more interesting. There are so many stories and experiences to be told, and finally, we are beginning to hear them.”
For Shazia, platforms like Serendipity Arts Festival are vital in challenging perceptions and creating space for new talent:
“Festivals like this are so great because a lot of the time it’s a celebration of people’s work, and also introducing new audiences to new work.
“There is always a good range of events on, so there is a lot to pick and choose from.”
And when it comes to advice for aspiring artists, Shazia keeps it real:
“Do it because it’s something that you really want to do. Never think of the money, think about what you want to say, what do you want to create, what do you want to tell people, how do you want to change people’s mind about things, or influence them in some way.
“Work hard, keep writing and creating and be truthful in your work, tell honest stories and honest thoughts and opinions.
“The truth always resonates with people. Love what you do, and let that be the reason for doing what it is you want to do.”
With a career built on candidness and cultural insight, Shazia Mirza continues to be a voice that resonates, especially in a city as richly layered as Birmingham.
The Serendipity Arts Festival Mini Edition runs from 23–26 May 2025 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Symphony Hall.
Taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the four-day event will celebrate South Asian arts, music, dance and culture, while also showcasing the creativity and talent of BCU’s vibrant community.
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