Bader Saleh and friends find the funny in Saudi life

Bader Saleh and friends find the funny in Saudi life.

Stand up comic Bader Saleh performing at du Forum on Yas Island. Antonie Robertson / The National

Bader Saleh’s Abu Dhabi return on August 28 should silence those still questioning the legitimacy of YouTube fame and his ability to transfer it to live performance.

The Saudi Arabian comic headlined a sold-out performance at du Forum, aided by fellow funnymen from the cast of his hit online comedy series Eysh Elly. The fact the show revolved around the series made for a tight, focused affair.

When the 31-year-old performed at the same venue last April, alongside regional comics, Saleh’s set seemed mediocre, with stilted general observations about growing up.

But with a show firmly based around Eysh Elly, a programme that pokes good-natured fun at modern Saudi society, Saleh was totally comfortable on stage and much more entertaining as a result.

During an uproarious half-hour set, he delivered standard comic set ups but peppered them with local observations.

Taking about Saudi marital relationships, for example, he described a wife’s irrational anger as “a film edited on Saudi Channel 1, the important bits about why she is upset are cut out. She is suddenly mad at you and you don’t know why”.

The fellas didn’t get off lightly either – Bader pointed the finger at his countrymen for often retelling stories of domestic disquiet in “a way where they are always victorious, which is a total lie”.

Saleh’s on stage persona has also benefited from more experience of performing. Where last year his onstage irritation seemed phoney, this time he was more at ease being cheeky and sly.

Earlier, he was amply supported by Osama Salmeen, Redwan Al Reemi and, the standout, Sharif Shakir.

An established name on the vibrant Jeddah comedy scene, Shakir definitely appeared the most seasoned performer of the bunch, preferring lengthy, quirky anecdotes to the rapid-fire puns of his colleagues.

He delivered funny, and in some cases touching, portraits of family life during the first Gulf War, as well as some sharp observations about Saudi life.

For instance, he described the ever-expanding metropolis of Jeddah as an iPhone – “It is always getting updated” – before advising tourists looking for travel directions to ask residents under the age of 15 to get the most accurate advice.

The only let down of the evening was the unwise decision to enlist Eysh Elly director Jotaro and writer Moumen Afandi as hosts.

Despite their best efforts they were woefully inadequate and sapped the room of energy with each appearance. If there is a return performance, let’s hope they also improve or, like all good friends, decide to step aside for the common good.