There was genuine privilege in witnessing John Achkar deliver only his second ever full-length-ish show in English, seeing him adapting and reshaping his comic strategies in real time. That the Lebanese comic is starting afresh, if not quite from zero, while performing in a second language, is patently obvious. His setups sometimes skimp on the exposition, at other times are over-elaborate, yet he drew considerable encouragement from fellow countrymen in the room laughing and nodding in recognition at his more localised observations. He’s certainly not helped by having to explain the wretched and complicated political situation in Lebanon, though it’s good for some gallows humour. Likewise, his singular comedy origin story, which essentially amounts to him having one joke in English that blew up virally, brought him an international fanbase and the confidence and daring to now attempt to conquer the Anglosphere too.
Exasperated and amusing on the role reversal that finds him refusing to explain his culture to a curious American therapist, the backdrop of war and strict religious mores affords material about his domestic situation some novelty and edge. Though in many respects his hopes, fears and gripes about being a husband and father have a universality anyone can relate to. Affable even when despairing, he’s no doubt got a solid future in English comedy.
John Achkar: His country is collapsing. He’s having a baby. So obviously, this is the right year for a Lebanese comedian you’ve never heard of to try English stand-up for the first time, Just the Tonic at The Caves, until 30 Aug (not 18), 3.40pm