Shappi Khorsandi is one of Britain's most celebrated comedians, writers and broadcasters, renowned for her sharp wit, intelligent storytelling and warm, relatable stage presence. Best known for blending observational comedy with deeply personal experiences, Shappi has built an international reputation as a performer who can effortlessly connect with audiences from every background. Whether entertaining corporate guests, hosting awards ceremonies or headlining comedy festivals, she delivers performances that are insightful, engaging and consistently memorable.
Shappi's comedy career began with immediate recognition, finishing as runner-up in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition and earning a nomination for the BBC New Comedy Award in 2000. She quickly established herself on the live circuit, performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before achieving widespread acclaim with her 2006 show, Asylum Speaker, which propelled her to national prominence. Her appearance at the Secret Policeman Ball further cemented her reputation as one of the UK's leading stand-up comedians, while a nomination for Best Breakthrough Act at the 2007 Chortle Awards confirmed her status as one of comedy's brightest rising stars.
Over the past two decades, Shappi has remained a fixture of British entertainment. She has appeared on some of the nation's most popular television programmes, including Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Question Time, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Blankety Blank and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!. She has also fronted her own BBC Radio 4 programme, Shappi Talk, alongside numerous successful live productions, including Carry On Shappi, The Distracted Activist, Because I'm Shappi, Oh My Country! From Morris Dancing to Morrissey and It Was the 90s!. Her performances have taken her around the world, with acclaimed appearances at both the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Alongside her success on stage, Shappi is a bestselling author whose writing reflects the same humour, honesty and warmth that define her live performances. Her memoir A Beginner's Guide to Acting English, novels Nina Is Not OK and Kissing Emma, and autobiography Scatter Brain have all been praised for their humour and emotional depth. Her achievements have also been recognised with the James Joyce Award, inclusion in the BBC's 100 Women list, an honorary doctorate from the University of Winchester, and a nomination for the British Comedy Award for Best Female TV Comic.
Today, Shappi Khorsandi is in demand as a comedian and event host for organisations around the world. Combining quick-fire improvisation, intelligent humour and an exceptional ability to read a room, she creates an atmosphere that is inclusive, entertaining and unforgettable. Her experience performing for live audiences of every size, together with her warmth, professionalism and effortless charisma, makes her a standout choice for corporate events, conferences, awards dinners and private celebrations worldwide.
