Shaparak Khorsandi

Shaparak Khorsandi is a celebrated Iranian-born British comedian and writer who first rose to national prominence with her sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe production, Asylum Speaker. Known for combining a sharp, incisive wit with a charmingly playful stage presence, she has established herself as a leading voice in British comedy. Her career progressed with high-profile appearances at the Secret Policeman's Ball and a variety of television credits including Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and Channel 4's Alternative Election Night. Beyond the stand-up stage, she is a frequent contributor to BBC Radio 4, where she hosted her own series, Shappi Talk, and appeared on popular programmes such as The Unbelievable Truth and Quote Unquote. Her versatility extends to mainstream broadcasting, having featured on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and as a commentator for Question Time and The Culture Show. In her recent book, Scatter Brain, she provides a candid exploration of her life following a late diagnosis of ADHD, offering a narrative of self-discovery and personal management. Audience members value Shaparak for her ability to weave complex themes of heritage and identity into relatable, high-energy performances. She remains a popular choice for events seeking a speaker who delivers professional comedic timing alongside genuine cultural and personal perspective. On stage, Shaparak Khorsandi is best known for talks on Comedy and Performing Arts. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Comedy and Entertainment, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. Shaparak Khorsandi is regularly booked for Performers and Entertainer and Awards Hosts, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Shaparak Khorsandi travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Shaparak Khorsandi would approach your audience.