Omid Djalili: Namaste

Omid Djalili brings his new show, Namaste, to the Main Theatre at Storyhouse on Tuesday 19 January 2027. It's a stand-up set that runs for an hour and fifty minutes, with an interval in the middle, so you'll have a bit of a break to stretch your legs and grab a drink before the second half kicks in.

Djalili, who goes by the name 'The Persian Comedy Powerhouse', describes the show as one in which he 'peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet'. The title Namaste plays on that contrast: the calm, mindful greeting on one side, and the 'torrent of vitriol' on the other. It's a new show, so you'll be seeing his latest material rather than a best-of from the archives.

It's already picked up some strong praise. Michael Levin of the Huffington Post called it 'so hysterically funny and at the same time so poignant and powerful that calling it stand-up barely does it justice'. That's a high bar to set, and it gives you a sense of what to expect: comedy that doesn't just aim for the laugh, but keeps a bit of weight and point to it.

One thing to keep in mind is that the show is recommended for ages 16 and over, so it's not one for the younger ones. Tickets are £34.50, and it starts at 8pm at Storyhouse in Chester.