Another top comedy bill is currently touring the emirates, courtesy of those funny folk over at The Laughter Factory.
We caught the second night, at Dubai’s Movenpick JBR on Thursday (July 14), where Sean Collins closed out in phenomenal style.
The Canadian stand-up star – whose screen credits include Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow – was naturally at home on this smaller stage. Cool and collected, Collins presided over a lovably raw set, heavy on improv and interaction – and seemingly as amused as anyone to even be there. It’s this steadfast charm which make even his most familiar material fresh on the lips.
Earlier, things opened up with London comic Ola, whose tried and tested autobiographical set charts his duel quests for both love, and to be the “greatest comedian in the world”. There’s a pepper of surrealism – his best routine may be one comparing adoption to colonialism.
Sandwiched in the difficult middle slot was fellow Brit Michael Fabbri, whose overabundance of material and assured, self-depreciating delivery threatened to upstage either of his cohorts. Recently launching a BBC radio show Dyslexicon – about growing up with dyslexia – this coming-of-age material zinged with freshness of a true pro.
The emirates’s entertainment options might be a little quiet right now, but The Laughter Factory is easily among the best nights out in town – catch this tour’s three remaining Dubai dates before it’s too late.
• The Laughter Factory is at McGettigan's JLT on Wednesday July 20 (8pm), Grand Millennium TECOM on Thursday July 21 and The Gramercy, DIFC on Friday July 22 (both 9pm). Tickets from Dh140. See thelaughterfactory.com.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
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The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km
On sale: now
Price: Dh149,000
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
