We’ve all been there; the reels are repetitive, your YouTube algorithm is defunct and you just can’t be bothered, so you watch Abhishek Upmanyu’s Delhi, Mumbai & Rich People for the 33rd time (and there’s nothing wrong with that). But before your 34th watch, why not cleanse your palette? We’ve come up with a list of fresh international comedy acts for you to get excited about. Yeah, have some culture. Standup from around the world can introduce you to new perspectives, expose you to cultural insight on social issues, and even teach you a little something about empathy! I know, I know, Upmanyu’s Delhi, Mumbai & Rich People does that too, but just give this a shot, please?

LUISA OMIELAN

Birmingham-born comedian Luisa Omielan is a force to be reckoned with. Her shows What Would Beyoncé Do?! and Am I Right Ladies?! have garnered critical acclaim for their un-apologetically honest and empowering takes on life, love, and self-acceptance. The comedian’s over-the-top performances (along with her experience in clowning and improv) mean that she has been said to have created her own distinct genre of comedy with a party atmosphere.

LOYISO GOLA

Prepare to have your boundaries pushed by Loyiso Gola, a South African comedian known for his sharp humour and thought-provoking insights on race, politics, and daily life. Gola co-created a critically acclaimed satirical news television series in 2010 called Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola and received back-to-back International Emmy nominations for it in 2013 and 2014. After the success of his Netflix-approved special Unlearning in 2021, he’s hitting the stage again this year with his tour Popular Culture, where he delves into the impact of pop culture throughout history.

FERN BRADY

Fern Brady is a Scottish journalist turned comedian. In 2009, Brady—at the time an intern at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival—was tasked with writing a piece about a comedy critic trying stand-up. She took to the stage and as they say, the rest is history! Her performances are marked by fierce confidence and a willingness to tackle difficult topics like gender and sexuality to mental health and her diagnosis with autism as an adult head-on. Are you not entertained? No worries, Brady also published Strong Female Character recently, a memoir in which she showcases her uncompromising nature in comedy and life.

GAD ELMALEH

Gad Elmaleh is a multilingual comedian from Morrocco who effortlessly bridges cultural divides with his charm and wit. From Morocco to France and beyond, Elmaleh’s ability to find humour in everyday situations and his skill in storytelling have catapulted him to global fame. After guest starring on an episode of Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee with Jerry Seinfeld in 2013, he went on to perform on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and Conan in 2016. He is currently on the road with his tour From Somewhere across Europe after a long stint in the US and Middle East.

JASON LEONG

Jason Leong is a Malaysian doctor turned comedian who is quickly becoming one of Asia’s biggest (and currently, most controversial) comedians. Leong, distinguished as a part of JFL’s New Faces: International showcase, has two Netflix specials Dr Jason Leong: Hashtag Blessed and Dr Jason Leong: Ride with Caution. He’s got his fair of jokes about the medical practice but the comedian is also vocal about the state of political affairs in his country, its population’s distinct quirks and environmental issues that will touch close to home. Just a gentle reminder that as bad as things get, we’re not alone!