Review by Eve Nugent
Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Five
Oozing with charisma is Ismael Loutfi in his stand-up comedy titled Heavenly Baba. Across one hour, he shares the unique story of his father – a Syrian-born immigrant to the United States and devout Muslim whom Loutfi affectionately calls “the most religious man in the world.” What unfolds is a compelling series of wonderfully wacky yet heartfelt tales that explore their relationship, alongside the comedian’s own experiences with faith and his eccentric upbringing in Florida.
From the offset, Loutfi has the audience in the palm of his hand with his infectious energy and razor-sharp timing. We are invited into vivid glimpses of his formative years: the awkward trials and triumphs of school, wearing his kufi cap, the humorous early encounters with women, the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for stand-up comedy, his esoteric penchant for drawing maps. Each hilarious story – flawlessly delivered without missing a single beat – adds depth to the tapestry of his family and personal life, drawing the audience further into Loutfi’s world.
A particular highlight is Baba’s infamous “Islam-obile”, the family car plastered with unconventional religious slogans which made Loutfi’s teenage years all but unbearable. Adding both intimacy and extra laughs, the show is punctuated with cleverly chosen photos and videos, perfectly timed for maximum effect.
What makes the show truly special is Loutfi’s sincerity. He performs with a genuine love for his faith and family, avoiding the one-dimensional comedic trope of simply attacking religion – he instead approaches it with sensitivity, warmth and intellect. The script is undeniably clever, delivered with casual charm; he strikes the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud comedy and a moving reflection on what it means to grow up as a young Muslim in post-9/11 America. An hour with Loutfi flies by much too quickly in this fresh, fast-paced and poignant show.
Fast-Paced and Poignant
Ismael Loutfi: Heavenly Baba runs at Summerhall – Main Hall
Running time: Sixty minutes without interval
Review by Eve Nugent (contact@corrblimey.uk)
An undergraduate French student at the University of Edinburgh, Eve has a diverse interest in theatre and performance. Her primary devotion is acting, predominantly at Bedlam Theatre with her fellow students, but also with French group ‘Les Escogriffes’ who perform annually at the French Institute of Scotland.
Her creative attention stretches also to classical music, as she enjoys playing the flute, piano and guitar. She thus looks forward to watching whatever the Fringe has to offer, irrespective of genre!
