Help Bring a Desi Comedian’s First Solo Show to Edinburgh

Hi, I'm JR Sharaf — a Pakistani comedian, poet, and storyteller, and this year I’ve been offered a chance to debut my first ever solo hour, "WHY ARE YOU?", at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 — the world’s largest arts festival.

It’s been a long road getting here.

From late nights at tiny open mics across Liverpool and Stoke, to walking miles just to perform 5-minute sets, I’ve done the grind with one belief: our voices matter — even if they don’t come with fame, followers, or funding.

"WHY ARE YOU?" is a raw, funny, and deeply personal hour exploring identity, erasure, and absurdity through the lens of a Desi outsider. This isn’t just a comedy show — it’s a rebellion against invisibility.

I’ve secured a venue that believes in the show — a black box theatre with tech support, flyers, and promotion — but to lock it in, I need to raise £500 upfront by [Monday], and ideally £2500 total for the full run.

Here’s what your support will help cover:

Venue & Tech Hire

Printing & Marketing

Accommodation & Travel

A filmed performance for digital release

I’m offering shoutouts, free tickets, signed flyers, and more for anyone who contributes — but more than anything, you’ll be helping a fiercely independent voice be heard.

If you can’t donate, please share — it means the world.

Let’s take this all the way to Edinburgh.

With gratitude,

JR Sharaf

Monzo

Account Name : Syed Sharaf

Account Number :09255611