ONE of the country's top comedians has revealed a family connection to Bradford as he prepares to perform in the city as part of his national tour.

Ahir Shah, who has appeared on TV comedy shows including Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo, is taking to the stage at the Alhambra Studio on Saturday, February 12, for his 'Dress' UK tour.

The London-based comedian revealed one of his relatives lived and worked in Bradford.

He said: "My grandfather lived in Bradford and worked in a factory. I have a bit of Bradford in my blood.

"If you are a British Asian like me, your family are in either Bradford or Leicester. My family are in Leicester.

The last time I was in Bradford I had an absolutely brilliant curry, so I will be looking to do that again

"My show is taking place in the now and I'm not going to dwell on the old of the last two years.

"The Bradford show comes at a time in the tour when I have a few shows together, so I will be on the road.

"I like being on the road long enough that home sickness is not going to prevail."

 

Ahir added he held an online research session on Bradford after the city was name-checked during an edition of BBC Two's Newsnight he was watching earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the comedian has also backed the Bradford City of Culture 2025 bid, which was formally submitted earlier this month.

Ahir added: "Why not? Bradford has lovely architecture and food and good comedians. I don't know what more one needs."

Following his critically acclaimed show ‘Dots’, Ahir returns to the stage with his new show, ‘Dress’, which will see Ahir discuss significance, insignificance and scurvy.

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ahir has performed comedy across the world including tours of the UK and India as well as runs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Adelaide Fringe and Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.

His television appearances also include BBC Two's Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Live At The Apollo and BBC One show Have I Got News For You.

As a writer, Ahir’s jokes have been featured on a number of TV programmes such as Dave's The Mash Report and Mock of the Week.

Go to bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/ahir-shah-events to book tickets for Ahir's show, priced £14, at the Alhambra Studio on February 12, from 8pm.