Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Laugh Out Loud with Sapan Verma's Lower Back Pain

Indian stand-up star Sapan Verma makes his London debut with a hilariously relatable meltdown in his new bilingual comedy show, Lower Back Pain.

Sapan Verma

Laugh Out Loud with Sapan Verma's Lower Back Pain

If you're looking for a comedy show that blends raw honesty, cultural wit, and laugh-out-loud moments, Indian comedian Sapan Verma’s brand-new stand-up special Lower Back Pain is exactly what you need. Taking place at Soho Theatre from Tuesday, 27 May to Saturday, 31 May, this highly anticipated show marks Verma’s debut on the London stage — and he's arriving with a bang. A trailblazer in the Indian comedy scene, Verma invites audiences to watch him unravel on stage in a hilariously unfiltered performance that speaks to the millennial experience, physical ageing, and everyday chaos.

Described by Verma himself as a public breakdown disguised as comedy, Lower Back Pain is a bilingual (Hindi-English) stand-up show that dives deep into the absurdities of adult life — from health woes to existential dread and everything in between. This isn’t just about jokes; it’s a full-on comedic therapy session where Sapan turns his personal lows into your evening’s entertainment.


Expect a unique mix of observational humour, storytelling, and sharp punchlines as Sapan candidly discusses backaches, burnout, social pressure, and the side effects of being "successful" in your 30s. The show is deeply relatable to anyone who’s ever Googled “is this back pain serious?” while ignoring 15 unopened emails and wondering what went wrong in life.

With millions of views on YouTube and a co-founding role in East India Comedy (one of India’s first and most successful comedy collectives), Sapan Verma is no stranger to the spotlight. His earlier specials, sketches, and online content have made him a household name among fans of Indian stand-up. But Lower Back Pain is different — more intimate, more chaotic, and more cathartic.

Verma has carved a niche for himself as a comedian who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable while still keeping audiences in stitches. This show is a testament to his evolution as an artist, blending his trademark wit with introspection and an almost absurdist take on life’s biggest (and pettiest) problems.

Performing at the iconic Soho Theatre — a venue known for championing diverse and daring voices in performance arts — Verma’s show adds to London’s rich comedy calendar with a fresh, international flavour. The bilingual format also ensures that the humour resonates with South Asian diaspora audiences while remaining accessible to English-speaking fans who enjoy intelligent, cross-cultural comedy.

Whether you're South Asian, a comedy lover, or just someone dealing with their own version of "lower back pain," this show promises an unforgettable evening of laughter, relatability, and maybe even a bit of healing.

Tickets and Info: www.sohotheatre.com

More For You

Fanna Fi Allah's

Don't Miss Fanna-Fi-Allah's Enchanting Qawwali Performance

Fanna-Fi-Allah's

Fanna-Fi-Allah Sufi Qawwali in London!

London is set to host an unforgettable night of spiritual depth and musical brilliance as the renowned Sufi qawwali ensemble Fanna-Fi-Allah brings their celebrated performance to Union Chapel on Friday, 27 June. Located at 19b Compton Terrace, the historic and acoustically rich venue in Islington will come alive with the passionate, poetic and soul-stirring sounds of qawwali — a centuries-old devotional music tradition rooted in the mystical practices of Sufism. This much-anticipated concert promises to be a transcendent cultural experience, fusing ancient rhythm, powerful vocals and heartfelt devotion in a way that deeply resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

Fanna-Fi-Allah, an ensemble revered across continents for their authentic interpretations of classical qawwali, continues to preserve and elevate this spiritual art form with integrity and passion. With decades of dedication and training under legendary qawwals in Pakistan and India, the group has become one of the most respected global ambassadors of Sufi music. Their performances are marked by an electrifying blend of tabla, harmonium, handclaps and rich vocal harmonies that build to ecstatic crescendos — transporting listeners into a meditative and emotional state known in the Sufi tradition as haal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nabeel Khan and Junaid Ali

Jugalbandi: A Musical Dialogue at Rich Mix

Indian Classical Music at Rich Mix

East London is set to come alive with the sounds of tradition, rhythm and spiritual resonance as internationally acclaimed sarangi player Nabeel Khan and renowned tabla artist Junaid Ali take centre stage at Rich Mix on Sunday, 22 June 2025. The event, which will be held at the vibrant cultural venue located at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA, invites audiences to experience the enchantment and intricacy of Indian classical music in an unforgettable live performance.

Curated for music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and those seeking a deep connection with the Indian subcontinent’s artistic legacy, the evening promises a unique dialogue between melody and rhythm. Nabeel Khan and Junaid Ali will perform in jugalbandi (duet), weaving together their instruments—the sarangi and tabla—into an expressive conversation that transcends language and borders.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jasbinder

Join Jasbinder at Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

Exciting Debut at Barnes Fest!

Readers and families in London are in for a culturally rich, story-filled experience as Jasbinder Bilan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed children’s authors, headlines an exciting event at the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at the Barnes Green Centre on Church Road, London SW13 9HE, the event will offer young audiences the exclusive opportunity to meet the Costa Children’s Book Award winner and hear about her latest novel, Naeli and the Secret Song. Known for blending adventure, history, and folklore into captivating tales for young readers, Bilan’s newest book promises to enchant and empower children with themes of identity, bravery, and the magic of self-discovery.

Organised as part of the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, the interactive session will be tailored for children and families, giving them the chance to connect directly with the author. Jasbinder will introduce Naeli and the Secret Song, a beautifully written historical adventure set against a richly imagined landscape, infused with cultural heritage, ancient songs, and mysterious secrets. Young readers will not only get to hear excerpts from the book but also take part in a vibrant Q&A and creative activities designed to ignite their imaginations and deepen their love of storytelling.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vibrant Hounslow Desi Mela

Experience the Vibrant Hounslow Desi Mela 2025

Hounslow Desi Mela 2025: South Asian Creativity Fest

Hounslow is all set to come alive with colour, culture and celebration as the Hounslow Desi Mela 2025 returns for another spectacular year. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at Cranford Community College, High Street, Hounslow TW5 9PD, this much-loved community festival offers a full day of cultural richness, showcasing the vibrancy of South Asian heritage through music, dance, food, fashion, and fun for all ages. A beloved fixture in London’s multicultural calendar, the mela is expected to draw thousands of visitors and promises an unforgettable day of unity, diversity and joy.

The Hounslow Desi Mela is more than just a summer event—it is a heartfelt tribute to the shared traditions of the Indian subcontinent, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of identity and belonging. This year’s programme is bigger and more dynamic than ever, with live stage performances by celebrated musicians, high-energy dance acts, and interactive cultural showcases that reflect the evolving yet timeless nature of desi culture. From classical Kathak and Bharatanatyam to energetic bhangra and Bollywood fusion, the performances will appeal to audiences of all generations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mesmerising Odissi Sandhya at The Bhavan, London

Experience the Vibrant Spirit of odissi in Birmingham

Odissi Dance in Birmingham

Lovers of classical Indian dance and culture will be drawn to a mesmerising evening of performance as Odissi Sandhya takes the spotlight at The Bhavan, London, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Located at 4A Castletown Road, London W14 9HE, The Bhavan is one of the UK's premier institutions for Indian arts, and the perfect venue to host this celebration of heritage and artistry. The event will be led by the talented dancers of Nritya Alaap, who are renowned for their commitment to preserving and promoting Odissi — one of the eight recognised classical dance forms of India.

Odissi, which originated in the temples of Odisha in eastern India, is celebrated for its lyrical grace, expressive gestures (mudras), and devotional themes rooted in mythology and poetry. Through elegant body movements, dramatic storytelling, and rhythmic footwork, the dancers convey narratives from ancient scriptures and folklore, making the performance both spiritual and artistic.

Keep ReadingShow less