Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'The Reel to Real' review: Skilled duo make audience part of interactive show

Indian act Abhishek and Nirmal have injected a high dose of energy, originality, and fun into that audience interaction concept in a unique way

'The Reel to Real' review: Skilled duo make audience part of interactive show

MOST stand-up comedians start off their set by interacting with the audience for a relatively brief period, before commencing on their preprepared set. Some have turned that interaction into a full show, with mixed results.

Indian act Abhishek and Nirmal have injected a high dose of energy, originality, and fun into that audience interaction concept in a unique way.


The result is a laughter filled show, where anything can happen.

The dynamic duo followed up a run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe with performances at the Soho Theatre in central London recently and delivered a unique comedy experience for all those attending.

Instead of just asking those present a question and following it up with a witty remark like other comics, they made audience members a part of the show.

This included a brilliant blind date on stage, getting audience members to ask one another questions and some good old fashioned matchmaking.

The duo reacted to whatever was happening on stage to come up with spirited humour in lightening quick time. They bounced off each other and audience members to find hilarity, including being repeatedly apologetic to an older audience member.

There were a few moments when the jokes weren’t there, but both quickly moved on and kept the energy level going.

What added to the charm was the likeability of a duo, who clearly loved entertaining those present.

Unlike most stand-up comedy shows, they will likely have no two that are the same, which means you can watch them without encountering the same jokes. That made this another win for a progressive venue in Soho Theatre, which has had a remarkable year in terms of showcasing the most unique Indian comedy talent on a UK platform. Abishek and Nirmal certainly fall into that category.

More For You

'Sholay' not perfect, says director Ramesh Sippy during 50th anniversary of film

Amitabh Bachchan and Ramesh Sippy

'Sholay' not perfect, says director Ramesh Sippy during 50th anniversary of film

FIFTY years since Sholay was released, it has been watched by generations of audiences, but its director has said it is not a perfect film.

Written by Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, Sholay tells the story of two small-time criminals hired by a former policeman to capture the ruthless gangster, Gabbar Singh.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anurag Kashyap

Anurag Kashyap has condemned the AI film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal for undermining artists

Getty Images/ Instagram/abundantiaent

Anurag Kashyap brands 'Chiranjeevi Hanuman' AI film a betrayal of artists and calls industry colleagues spineless

Highlights:

  • Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticised Vijay Subramaniam for backing the AI-made film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal.
  • Kashyap said the project undermines creativity and betrays the artists represented by Subramaniam’s agency.
  • Vikramaditya Motwane also expressed disapproval, warning of AI sidelining writers and directors.
  • The AI film is produced by Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network, with a 2026 release planned.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has sharply criticised the upcoming project Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, promoted as India’s first fully AI-made film. The director targeted Vijay Subramaniam, head of Collective Artists Network, accusing him of betraying the very writers, actors and directors his agency represents. The backlash follows recent controversy over AI’s use in altering the Tamil release of Aanand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa.

Anurag Kashyap Anurag Kashyap has condemned the AI film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal for undermining artists Getty Images/ Instagram/abundantiaent

Keep ReadingShow less
Aryan Khan SRK Netflix preview

Shah Rukh Khan supports son Aryan Khan during the Netflix launch of his debut series

Getty Images

Aryan Khan nervous in debut speech but Shah Rukh Khan’s playful gesture steals the show at Netflix preview

Highlights:

  • Aryan Khan made his first public speech at the launch of his Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood.
  • The debutant director admitted he was nervous and joked about keeping his father Shah Rukh Khan as backup.
  • The show stars Sahher Bambba, Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh and Manoj Pahwa.
  • The Ba**ds of Bollywood will release on Netflix on 18 September.

Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan stepped into the spotlight at the preview launch of his directorial debut The Ba**ds of Bollywood. Delivering his first-ever public speech, Aryan openly admitted he was “extremely nervous,” a moment that has quickly drawn attention. Speaking with a mix of honesty and humour, Aryan said he had been rehearsing for days and even carried backup notes in case the teleprompter failed. The much-anticipated Netflix series marks his debut as a director after four years of preparation.

Aryan Khan SRK Netflix preview Aryan Khan makes his first public speech at The Ba**ds of Bollywood* preview in Mumbai Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Charli XCX

Charli XCX confirms her next chapter with upcoming A24 film The Moment

Getty Images

Charli XCX ends Brat era with emotional South Korea show and reveals ‘The Moment’ film

Highlights:

  • Charli XCX ends her Brat era with a South Korean festival performance
  • Pop star leaves fans emotional with farewell message on stage screen
  • Teases upcoming A24 film The Moment based on her own concept
  • Singer shifts focus from music to film after blockbuster success

Charli XCX has officially closed the chapter on her acclaimed Brat era with an emotional final performance at South Korea’s One Universe Festival, where she also teased her next project. The British pop star, who dominated global charts with Brat, used her farewell show to surprise fans with a teaser for her upcoming A24 film The Moment.

Charli XCX Charli XCX confirms her next chapter with upcoming A24 film The Moment Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino confirms his first West End play debut in London

Getty Images

Quentin Tarantino hints West End play could become his final film as he relocates to London

Highlights:

  • Quentin Tarantino says his first-ever play will premiere in London’s West End.
  • The director confirmed the script is complete and work begins in January 2026.
  • He plans to relocate with his family to the UK during the production.
  • Tarantino hinted the play could also become his final film if it succeeds.

Hollywood filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has confirmed he is bringing his West End play debut to London, marking his first step into theatre. Speaking on The Church of Tarantino podcast, the Oscar-winning director of Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill revealed that the script is finished and that he will begin work on the project in early 2026. The move signals a new chapter for the 62-year-old, who said he intends to spend two years on the production and even relocate to the UK with his wife, singer Daniella Pick, and their two children.

Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino confirms his first West End play debut in London Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less