one4review | On 17, Aug 2015

Tez Ilyas appears before the audience in a sharp suit and cheeky glint in his eye, he has a little dance and is ready to get the party started. He thanks the audience for completing the first 5 modules to convert to Islam and explains they’re now ready for their bonus module. With Pakistani heritage Tez has lived in the UK all his life and explains what it’s like feeling like an outsider in the country of your birth. He takes the audience on a playful yet thought provoking journey through the Tez commandments to help us learn to integrate into British society as new Muslims. Each commandment is explained in tongue in cheek detail with some audience discussion. Ilyas gets his message across with humour and doesn’t take his himself too seriously.

This is a really original concept, although there’s a sobering message behind it, his likeable charm and many intelligent gags throughout make it a really enjoyable show. There is a rather poignant emotional moment during the wrap up but then Tez bounces back, full of fun and ready for the graduation selfie with the audience and the party poppers go off in celebration.

****

Reviewed by Sharon

Pleasance Below

Until 30^th

19.15 to 20.15