I attended the Glee club in Birmingham for the first ever time recently. I had booked specifically to see Saaniya Abbas, I originally heard of Saaniya from her instagram account. Ricky Balshaw was the support act for Sanniya
It is very hard to review comedy as what I find funny, you may not, it can be subjective and down to perception.
The thrill of a live comedy show – the anticipation of laughter, the rush of unexpected jokes, and the camaraderie of shared humor with a room full of strangers. But what happens when the lights dim, the mic is handed over, and the comedian takes the stage? Do the jokes land, or do they fall flat? In this honest review, we’re diving into the highs and lows of Ricky Balshaw and Saaniya Abbas’s Night at the Glee Club Birmingham. From the opening act to the final applause, I’ll dissect the performance, highlighting the moments that left me in stitches and the ones that left me with a puzzled look. If you’re simply curious about Ricky Balshaw’s brand of humour or Saaniya Abbas’ then buckle up and let’s dive into the laughs and letdowns of this night at Glee Club Birmingham.
The venue, nestled in the heart of the city, exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a night of comedy. The intimate setting, with its rustic brick walls and dimmed lighting, immediately puts you at ease, making you feel like you’re in for a treat. The cleverly designed layout ensures that every seat in the house offers a fantastic view of the stage, eliminating any worries about obstructed views or pesky pillars. As I took my seat, I noticed the clever use of tiered seating, which creates a sense of community among the audience, making it easy to strike up conversations with fellow comedy enthusiasts
The timings for the show were a little out, it advertised 07.30 pm doors would open and last entry by 07.45, the doors didn’t open till 07:50 and Ricky being the first act was on at just after 8pm, followed by an interval, then Saaniya being on around 08:40 pm. However this was minor to the anticipation being experienced before the show.
As the lights dimmed and Ricky Balshaw took the stage at Glee Club Birmingham, it was clear that the audience was in for a treat. Ricky is disabled ( later described as having cerebral palsy) but he had a mischievous glint in his eye, Balshaw launched into his set, effortlessly weaving together a unique blend of humor that left the crowd laughing. His style is a fascinating fusion of witty observations, and storytelling, all delivered with a cheeky charm that’s impossible to resist. Some comedians do like to interrogate their audience members and Ricky did this with ease, finding professions and personalities to weave into joke telling. It was clear he knew how to work the room. But what truly set Ricky apart was his humility – he never once came across as arrogant or self-aggrandizing, instead, he seemed genuinely grateful to be performing for us, and that sense of gratitude was palpable throughout his set. He didn’t use his disability as a barrier and he touched on his life as a paralympian. He showed determination then and showed it on stage during this performance. It was a warm-up which worked and stories of the audience members enabled Saaniya to use this in her own performance.
Saaniya is a comedian who lives in Dubai, originally from New Delhi and this night was part of her UK Tour. Saaniya on Instagram said she loved Brummies but said she had never been to Birmingham I was slightly confused but it transpired she had friends in Dubai from Birmingham.
I was fully ready to experience a night of unbridled laughter and cultural fusion as Saaniya Abbas, the trailblazing Indian comedian, took the stage at Birmingham’s iconic Glee Club. As a rising star in the world of comedy, Saaniya is known for her sharp wit, infectious energy, and unapologetic humor that knows no borders. With a style that effortlessly blends the nuances of Indian culture with the relatability of everyday life, Saaniya’s comedy is a breath of fresh air that will leave you in stitches. Saaniya’s tour focuses on the bad side of her, but she talks about sex and relationships, with the ups and downs of such a life. Saaniya showed she was fully capable of transcending linguistic and cultural barriers to leave audiences in awe. When comedians from different backgrounds take the stage, they bring with them fresh perspectives, new stories, and a more authentic representation of the world we live in. It’s no longer just about laughing at jokes, but about feeling seen and heard. Saaniya’s show is a testament to the power of comedy to break down barriers and bring people together, proving that laughter truly knows no borders. She tackled topics like cultural appropriation, racism, and societal expectations, but does so with a lighthearted touch that never feels preachy or confrontational. Saaniya used to good effect on certain audience members which Ricky had earlier selected.
Sanniya is on a tour right now in the UK, so go see her, you won’t be disappointed.