Join us Read
Listen
Watch
Book
Culture Society, Identity and Belonging

Ahir Shah: Ends

Ahir Shah: Ends

At one point, Ahir Shah pauses and gives a wry grin: “If you watched Rishi Sunak’s Conservative conference speech you might recognise some of this. One of his speech writers came to see this show in Edinburgh.” Sunak stole well – Shah’s remarkable Edinburgh award-winning show is more than an hour of stand-up; it captures something vital about this country. Shah tells his grandparents’ immigrant story, an exceptional tale of courage and sacrifice by people who considered themselves unexceptional. It’s part of most immigrant families’ experience of arriving here, including the prime minister. This is a rare comedy show that can summon sobbing and laughter just a few seconds apart. The most important stand-up of the year, if not decade.


Enjoyed this article?

Sign up to the Daily Sensemaker Newsletter

A free newsletter from Tortoise. Take once a day for greater clarity.



Tortoise logo

A free newsletter from Tortoise. Take once a day for greater clarity.



Tortoise logo

Download the Tortoise App

Download the free Tortoise app to read the Daily Sensemaker and listen to all our audio stories and investigations in high-fidelity.

App Store Google Play Store

Follow:


Copyright © 2026 Tortoise Media

All Rights Reserved