""We can’t wait to welcome a fresh cohort."
The second edition of The Comedy Lab is an upcoming showcase to highlight South Asian comedians.
These talents can include individuals from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi backgrounds.
The Comedy Lab is presented by London’s leading South Asian comedy club, Brown Sauce, and Tara Theatre.
Eight unsigned rising comedy stars will participate in a free one-day workshop on October 18, 2025.
The same evening, they will hold a ticketed showcase, where they will perform a five-minute routine alongside the award-winning comedian, Nish Kumar.
The cohort of The Comedy Lab 2025 is as follows:
- Addy Raja – An NHS doctor by day and comedian by night, Addy brings the chaos of hospital life to the stage with sharp storytelling. With a background in improv and a passion for stand-up, he blends humour and medicine in his unique comic voice.
- Daniyal Najam – Originally from Karachi, where he was part of the city’s stand-up revival, Daniyal is restarting his comedy career in London. Transitioning from Urdu to English sets, he is developing material for a future hour-long special while also pursuing a Master’s in Filmmaking.
- Mariayah Kaderbhai – After 22 years at BAFTA, Mariyah is stepping into the spotlight to pursue stand-up comedy. Having begun performing in 2023, she’s now ready to return with new material, exploring a blend of political commentary and playful smut. She hopes to sharpen her voice and confidence through The Comedy Lab.
- Sabina Westrup – What began as a challenge day turned into a comedy journey for Sabina, who won her second-ever gig at the Cav Arms. Going with the flow, she now dreams of writing a sitcom and taking a show to the comedy festivals.
- Shiv Sayti – A teacher from Hounslow who stumbled into stand-up by accident, Shiv turns everyday life into material while balancing the challenge of keeping a straight face in the classroom. He hopes to pursue comedy full-time alongside playwriting and sketch-making.
- Sudeepta Sanyal – A screenwriting graduate from the London Film Academy, Sudeepta has already performed over 70 gigs across leading London open mics. With wins at Virtue Comedy and Laugh Bath, and a quarterfinal spot at Leicester New Comedian of the Year 2025, she is honing her seven to ten minute sets on the circuit.
- Vish Ratnajothy – Inspired by a university lecturer who saw comedic potential in him, Vish has been developing a style that blends observational, dark, and deadpan humour. Through The Comedy Lab, he aims to push both his writing and performance skills further.
- Yazmin Kayani – A long-time comedy fan in London and Manchester clubs, Yaz has finally taken the leap from audience member to performer. Excited to explore the craft, Yaz hopes to capture the electric joy of uniting a room through laughter.
Sharlin Jahan, founder of Brown Sauce, and Saima Ferdows, comedian, TV producer, and founder of Creatives of Colour commented:
“We’re inspired by the passion and creativity this new group brings to the lab.”
“It’s about more than just performances – it’s about connection, collaboration, and creating a space where diverse comedic voices can shine.
“We’re excited to help and elevate the next generation of comedy.”
Natasha Kathi-Chandra, Artistic Director of Tara Theatre, shared: “We’re so excited to be teaming up with Brown Sauce for the second year running and provide a space that champions the talent of South Asian comedians.
“Comedy is such a vital means of bringing through fresh talent and storytelling – as well as much joy and fun.
“We can’t wait to welcome a fresh cohort of budding and established comedians to our stage this October.”
DESIblitz wishes the 2025 cohort of The Comedy Lab the very best of luck!
You can find out more information about the event here.
Loading ...