one4review | On 07, Aug 2026

Edinburgh born Ifrah Qureshi has questions, and tonight she’s looking for answers. As a Scottish Muslim, she is trying to make sense of the world and where she stands within it. Living with her mum, she has middle-child syndrome where her siblings are considered more successful than her. The internet is a cesspit of conflicting information, so how can she find the secret to happiness, identity and belonging? Will the CEOs’ and manosphere’s bible The 48 Laws of Power hold all the answers?

After a strong theatrical Traitors-style opening, Qureshi embarks on an engaging hour, intersected with chapters from the book’s many power moves as she tries to make sense of her own life choices. From the brilliantly crafted routine on the Islamosphere; the pitfalls of a millennial Y2K-themed Halloween party; her alter ego as a board-game dominatrix; and white people’s wedding customs, what becomes increasingly obvious is the quality of the writing. She has a political edge here that’s rare for someone so young, taking aim at the Taliban with the wonderfully playful segment asking the audience ‘What colour of Brown am I?’

The running thread of the family favourite child never outstays its welcome, delivered with enough love and prickliness without feeling forced, and the show constantly finds fresh angles on familiar frustrations and lands the punchlines exactly when required.

Qureshi, over the last couple of years, has offered flashes of originality and greatness. This tight hour suggests she has found her sea legs, and then some. More importantly, she’s creating the right kind of waves to get noticed and this performance strengthens her position as one of the brightest, big-brained young comedians on the UK scene.

The Edinburgh Fringe is about discovery, and if your bag is to find the next breakthrough act at this year’s Fringe, she’s a must-see.

4****
Reviewed by Steve H
Stand 4 at The Stand Comedy Club 3 & 4
Until 30th August (excl. 17th)