one4review | On 21, Aug 2025

So many Fringe Show’s this year centre on life experiences, and “Heavenly Baba”, is no different. Except it really is! Ismael Loutfi has had one of the most unique experiences growing up, that it would be a sin not to share it with a comedy audience.

His father, the central character, was quite a guy. A bit of a maverick, non-conformist, very religious Muslim, of Syrian parents, living in the United States. It’s a survival story, what do you do when the chips are down, how do you get you and your family’s lives back on track when you’ve lost everything? Well, you seek guidance from the Koran and move to Florida, of course.

Ismael was obsessed with religion as a youngster, all down to his fathers’ staunch beliefs, to the point that he struggled to make friends. Now he’s grown into a very confident and competent storyteller, he has a lovely presence on stage and prowls around like a caged tiger. Some brilliant footage from his youth adds to the charm of this show, and it’s a very well written, well delivered performance.

Loutfi has a pedigree in comedy writing and this is evident throughout, but is his show peppered with lies and exaggerations? Catch this one while you still have a chance, it’s a very good show to have under your belt as a debut.

****

Reviewed by Gavin
Assembly George Square Studio 5

18.00- 19.00

Until 24th Aug