The New Delhi-born, Dubai-based comedian returns for her first Australian headline shows after a previous visit at 14, with material drawn from divorce, religion and identity.
Saaniya Abbas is bringing her debut hour Hellarious to Australia for three dates this month, marking her first headline appearances in the country after her family visit as a 14-year-old.
The New Delhi-born, Dubai-based comedian has built an international following through sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a residency at London’s Soho Theatre and extensive dates across the UK and United States. Her Australian run opens in Brisbane on 17 November before moving to Sydney and Melbourne.
Hellarious examines religion, divorce, identity and internet fame. Abbas has spoken about comedy beginning as a way to process the end of her marriage. The show also carries a personal Australian connection. She flags a joke about the Aussie who broke her heart, with the note that she is mostly over it.
Abbas grew up in India and has lived and worked in Dubai for years. Until the end of last year she was employed as a graphic designer and art director at advertising agencies in the city, including time at major networks. She creates all her own artwork and visual material, a skill set that has shaped the distinctive feline aesthetic and branding that accompanies her online presence and live shows.
Last year she stepped away from her podcast Spicy Babies to concentrate on touring. The decision followed a period in which comedy shifted from side project to full-time career. She has described the Edinburgh Fringe as a key turning point, where she performed daily while still balancing other work and earned The Skinny’s One to Watch Award.
Her material frequently draws on cultural contrasts. Routines cover everything from dating apps and long-distance relationships to religious expectations, American political culture and the practical realities of moving between India, Dubai and Western cities. Audience interaction forms a regular part of the shows, with Abbas known for sharp, quick responses to hecklers and crowd comments.
The Australian dates form part of a broader international schedule that has already taken her through Malaysia, Singapore and multiple North American cities. Tickets are on sale now through Bohm Presents.
Abbas arrives in Australia with an established online audience of more than one million followers and a reputation for blending personal storytelling with pointed observation. Hellarious presents those elements in a single focused hour.
Tour dates:
Tuesday 17 November, Brisbane, Sit Down Comedy Club
Wednesday 18 November, Sydney, Comedy Store
Saturday 21 November, Melbourne, The Comic’s Lounge
Tickets: bohmpresents.com
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