THE idea of what is English is explored in a new stand-up show taking centre stage in the city this week.

Iranian-born comedian Shappi Khorsandi is at Salisbury Arts Centre tomorrow at 8pm with her new stand-up show Oh My Country: From Morris Dancing to Morrissey.

This comes after sell-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and her autumn UK tour.

Speaking about the new show and the inspiration behind it, she says: “It kind of started off as a celebration of the 40th anniversary of my coming to England and this whole idea of what is English is really something I enjoy talking about and who says what identity you are which I think is quite interesting.”

She says the referendum also gave her food for thought for the show.

Shappi has notched up numerous high profile television appearances including; Live At The Apollo, Channel 4’s Comedy Gala At The O2, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The Graham Norton Show, Have I Got News For You and her own Comedy Store Special for Comedy Central.

She was also nominated at the British Comedy Awards in the Best Female Comic category up against Jo Brand and Sarah Millican.

Speaking about what audiences can expect, she said “lots of funniness” and silly voices.

“It is the most fun show I think I’ve ever done. They can expect jokes clumsily placed under the umbrella of patriotism,” she explains.

“The reaction has been the best reaction I’ve ever had of any show, ever.”

She added: “In the show I make the point that nobody knows this country better than comedians because we go everywhere. We don’t just go everywhere like a travelling spoons salesman we actually hang out with the people that live there.”

This latest appearance sees Khorsandi make a return to the city and the arts centre.

She said: “It is lovely, Salisbury, I used to go to university in Winchester so I know that part of the world.”

Her dreams of being an entertainer were inspired as a youngster by The Muppet Show and her “hero” Fozzie Bear.

“The Muppet Show was the first thing that made me think I want to go and work in the theatre,” says Khorshandi.

“I just loved to do impersonations of politicians when I was a little girl.

I got a taste of fame at my parents’ dinner parties, after that everyone wanted a piece of me,” she laughs.

“I started doing it [comedy] after I left uni,which was really difficult and as realistic as saying I want to be an astronaut, it was this unrealistic dream.

“There wasn’t anything else I wanted to do.”

Despite the challenges she says it is “great fun” being a comedian.

For tickets call the box office on 01722 321744 or go to