Diwali on the Square 2023

There’s two back-to back mixed bill stand-up comedy shows hosted by the Indian internet sensations, Abishek Kumar and Nirmal Pillai.

There’s two back-to back mixed bill stand-up comedy shows hosted by Indian internet sensation, Nirmal Pillai. Nirmal will be joined by:

Nish Kumar – Nish has achieved huge success on the stand-up circuit with five rave reviewed solo stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, two of which have been nominated for the prestigious Comedy Award for Best Show in both 2015 & 2016.

Tej Dhutia – Fast making a name for herself on the comedy circuit, having regularly appeared on Desi Central Comedy Shows such as the Ladies of Laughter tour, Tej’s credits also include BBC3, BBC Asian Network General and the Drunk Women Solving Crime podcast.

Joshua Bethania – Joshua Bethania is an award-winning comedian from India. His stand-up includes observations on life in London as an outsider and what he is doing to become an insider. Joshua has previously won So You Think You’re Funny? and was a BBC New Comedy Awards Finalist in 2022.

Shalaka Kurup – Shalaka Kurup is an award-winning Indian comedian. Her observational humour has been described as being “deadpan joy” (The Morning Star) and acerbic. Winner: West End New Act of the Year 2023,

Pleasance Comedy Reserve 2023, Runner Up: Brighton Komedia New Act 2023, Finalist: 2Northdown New Act Competition 2022, Runner Up: Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2023.

And if you’ve ever fancied having a go at comedy yourself, new for this year, we’re also inviting you to take part in our comedy storytelling workshop in the afternoon.

This is the fifth time we’ve hosted the Soho Theatre Comedy Tent at Diwali on the Square. Previous acts include Sindhu Vee, Nish Kumar, Aditi Mittal, Anuvab Pal, Daniel Fernandes, Kanan Gill, Ahir Shah, Sunil Patel, Charlie George, Kai Samra, Jamie D’Souza, Sid Singh, Sahil Shah, Raj Poojara, Priya Hall and Shalaka Kurup.

Day’s Lineup

Comedy Storytelling Workshop: 1pm – 2.30pm

Led by screenwriter, playwright and prose writer Sharmila Chauhan (shortlisted twice for the Asian New Writer Award).
Free.

Stand-Up Show: 3.30pm – 5pm

Mixed bill stand-up comedy show hosted by Nirmal Pillai with Nish Kumar, Tej Dhutia, Joshua Bethania, Shalaka Kurup.
Free

Stand-Up Show: 5.30pm – 7pm

Mixed bill stand-up comedy show hosted by Nirmal Pillai with Nish Kumar, Tej Dhutia, Joshua Bethania, Shalaka Kurup.
Free