Words: Kiera Harper
Image: Matt Stronge
4 Stars
Hasan Al-Habib’s new show Stuck in the Middle (East) With You balances harsh family tensions with vibrant storytelling and sharp comedic timing excellently.
Entering to a picture of Al-Habib’s family and ABBA’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’, the scene is immediately set for the audience, pulling them right into Hasan’s world before he even enters the room. Throughout the show, Al-Habib discusses his family in depth, from his divorced parents to his sisters and his aunt; he leaves nothing uncovered, including the frictions that caused a wedge between some while bringing others closer together. Between and within truths about his family, Al-Habib seamlessly blends comedy with quick timing and great callbacks that circle back to the heart of the show: this uncomfortable middle ground Al-Habib has with his family.
With great storytelling, the show lives in the middle of love and estrangement and finds the comedy in it in an impressive way. Knowing how to play to a crowd, Al-Habib’s audience interaction is funny without making anyone uncomfortable; in fact, his openness brings the audience closer, making them feel like they’re involved in his life story. Every joke felt relevant to the show, whether it centred on his experience in his Iraqi immigrant family, his PhD or his love life, making the show feel cohesive with only one or two lulls.
The truth within Stuck in the Middle (East) With You feels refreshing and reminds audiences that comedy can be found in the darkest places or in those grey areas in between. With extra shows added, you’ll definitely want to catch this new show.
Hasan Al-Habib: Stuck in the Middle (East) With You
Upstairs at Pleasance Courtyard
17:30 (20:10)
5th – 30th August