Interview with Sahar Mirhadi

Comedy Blogedy: How long have you been gigging in stand-up?

Sahar Mirhadi: I having been gigging solidly since May with an average 3-4 gigs a week and getting myself out there!

Comedy Blogedy: How would you describe your comedy?

Sahar Mirhadi: It has lots of energy and I attempt to de-mystify things with the bluntness of a hippo in a pink tutu. I look and discuss issues surrounding my life and body, random observations and dispelling myths about my Iranian heritage. I keep it a little crude with references to breasts, hair and orgasms! That way you can cater to all tastes!

Comedy Blogedy: Which comedians influence your comedy?

Sahar Mirhadi: I would mix it is a mix of old and new. Predominantly I have taken a lot of influence from ethnic comics such as Omid Djalili, Russell Peters and Stephen K Amos. However, I broaden my horizons to take in my love of Billy Connolly, Bill Hicks, Dylan Moran and Eddie Izzard for their energy and delivery. I also have a soft spot and admiration for Richard Pryor and old Eddie Murphy material for their crudeness!

Comedy Blogedy: Did you always want to go into comedy?

Sahar Mirhadi: I always made people laugh growing up with my energy and making a fool of myself. At university, a friend of mine who is now stage manager at one of the big London comedy clubs suggested I should try it out, so I began writing and did it.

Comedy Blogedy: How do you go about writing your material?

Sahar Mirhadi: Writing is an organic process for me. I pick up on something I would say to a friend or an experience I have been through and try to see what the funny side is. I also will write an odd observation I see while I am out and about and then come back to it when I am developing a new set – it may be a new 1 liner or start of a story. Finally I do lots about families and home life and try to look for the absurdities that we all take for granted and turning it on it’s head.

Comedy Blogedy: Do you gig as a stand-up full time or is it more of a part-time hobby? If so, do you find that your main job influences your material?

Sahar Mirhadi: It is a full on hobby at present but it is addictive so I have been known to gig full time (Mon-Thurs for 4 weeks solidly at 1 point) and get up for work the next day. Where I get my energy from, surprises even me!

Comedy Blogedy: What do you find the most enjoyable and frustrating parts of the amateur comedy circuit?

Sahar Mirhadi: The most enjoyable part of the amateur circuit is when you perform to a full room and the reaction is electric. It puts a massive smile on my face. I also enjoy the sense of community amongst comics on the amateur circuit. We all try to help each other out. We are all on the same boat at the end of the day.

Comedy Blogedy: What’s your favourite type of audience to perform to?

Sahar Mirhadi: Every audience has their good and bad points. I have enjoyed it when they are up for a laugh and go with the moment. I like to diverge and interact so if they are up for it, that makes me happy and I give that little bit extra.

Comedy Blogedy: Have you been heckled a lot since you’ve started gigging? Do you enjoy being heckled? What’s the best heckle you’ve had?

Sahar Mirhadi: I have been heckled a couple of times and frankly I do not mind it if its not malicious. I remember one gig I did and someone walked on stage and the front row started heckling. I just waited and kept my composure. The MC came on stage and asked for me to keep going and the crowd went along with me! After the guy came back, I brought him close and did one of my jokes and told him where to go to which the crowd went up in an uproar! That highlighted to me that even if your punchline fails, if a crowd is on your side when you are heckled, it can turn to be a positive.The best heckle I have had was a dare from a comic who shouted “Go back to China”!

Comedy Blogedy: What advice would you give to new acts thinking about starting out in comedy?

Sahar Mirhadi: Enjoy it. Be consistent in gigging and writing. Keep networking and talk to people!