Maria Shehata, Walaa Sbait, Tez Ilyas

After a very successful sold-out 3 editions, Arts Canteen’s show “Arabs Are Not Funny” is back with a new line-up of comedians, representing the Arab world and surrounding regions, looking for an opportunity to showcase their talents.

The special artists headlining the show are the beautiful Maria Shehata (Egypt/USA) and the hilarious Walaa Sbeit (Palestine). The night will be hosted by the stylish Tez Ilyas.

Headliner: Maria Shehata

An Egyptian-American comedian, born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Maria Shehata has traveled the globe charming audiences with her unlikely blend of Mid-east and American Mid-west perspectives.
Most recently, she has won Best Comedian at the Hollywood Festival of New Cinema, and her web series "My Super-Overactive Imagination" won Best Comedy at the Miami Web Fest, where she was also nominated for Best Actress.

Headliner: Walaa Sbait

A community theatre actor-activist, multi-instrumentalists originally from the displaced Palestinian village of IQRITH, Haifa.

Walaa has a distinctive musical touch, incorporating traditional Palestinian tunes with electronic music & Reggae. Additionally cooperating with Pioneers of Arabic Reggae and Hip-Hop, such as 47Soul and many others.

This act will be accompanied by Saz player Hamza Arnaout (Jordan).

Host: Tez Ilyas

Lancashire born Tez started in comedy in 2010 and hit the ground running finding himself in no less than eight competition finals, including the prestigious BBC New Comedy Award!

Since then Tez has risen up the ranks quickly and now regularly performs at the UK’s leading live comedy venues. With his sharp wit and charmingly cheeky onstage persona, Tez Ilyas is one of the hottest rising stars on the circuit.

All acts will be in English.