Talent

Shaparak Khorsandi

About Shaparak

Shaparak established herself as one of the country’s finest comedians in 2006 with

her sell out Edinburgh show, Asylum Speaker.

This show lead to the publication of her childhood memoirs, “A Beginner’s Guide To

Acting English“, her best-selling literary debut.

In typical Shappi style, this show told the story of how her family were forced to flee

Iran and gain asylum in the UK.

Her father’s popularity as a satirist attacking the regime has ensured they cannot

return to Iran.

As Shaparak says, “obviously there’s free speech in Iran, but little freedom after

you’ve spoken.”

Shaparak’s career has taken her to all corners of the globe, she has appeared on

countless TV & Radio shows including; Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Have I Got

News For You, QI, Just a Minute; other flagship radio 4 programmes.

She is proud of being a “spit & sawdust” standup; one of her favourite things is

pulling on her wellies, trudging through muddy fields, and performing at every music

festival which has a comedy tent – from Glastonbury to Secret Garden Party.

She has received an honorary doctorate from Winchester University for her

contribution to the arts and recently received the prestigious James Joyce award

from Dublin University.

She is also currently hoping to receive an apology from Ealing Council for

consistently failing to remove her bins on time.

Shaparak has taken part in the iconic television; live show for Amnesty

International, The Secret Policeman’s Ball, as well as several series of Live At The

Apollo; Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow.

Her screenwriting debut was in the form of Sky’s Little Crackers; she has recently

been commissioned to write a drama script for BBC Television.

She has yet to learn to drive.

Credits