Fatiha El-Ghorri: ‘I was mortified by my heckler – but it turned out he wanted to see my trainers’

. UK edition

‘It’s about your audience not you’ … Fatiha El-Ghorri.
‘It’s about your audience not you’ … Fatiha El-Ghorri. Photograph: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Bafta

The comic on cleaning up her language for family audiences, writing her debut novel and praying before taking the stage

How did you get into comedy?
After my second divorce, I was online looking for a walking group in my local area and I got a pop-up that said, “try standup comedy” so I did and here I am 10 years later.

What’s been one of your all-time favourite gigs?
I did a gig at Angel Comedy club [in London] and 12 hijabs turned up to see me. It’s possible that they felt comedy clubs weren’t really a place for them but seeing someone who looked like them on the bill made them come that day. It was so touching, I ended up crying.

Best heckle?
It was at the final of the BBC New Comedy awards 2025. Amy Gledhill was the host, and I was the head judge. We were on stage about to present the award when a man shouted out: “Show us your 9-5’s”. Me and Amy thought he wanted us to flash him! We were mortified. Turns out he wanted to see my trainers … which were Air Max 95s.

What has inspired your debut show, Cockney Stacking Doll?
Just like a Russian stacking doll, I have many layers to me. This show is an introduction to me and my layers.

You are doing two family friendly matinee performances. What was the thought behind these?
I am a bit of a sweary Maryum and I know not everyone likes swearing, but I want my shows to be accessible to all. This is why I have decided to do these shows. Proper clean fun you can watch with your mum and dad.

Who is your comedy hero and why?
I don’t really have one. I don’t really watch comedy. I guess because I work in the industry, I know how it’s all done and that’s all I can see when I watch it. Growing up I loved watching French and Saunders, Desmond’s, The Real McCoy. I like Neal Brennan, an American standup too.

Who is your non-comedy hero?
My maternal grandmother. She was a strong woman who worked hard along with my grandfather to raise her family. They had such a good partnership and did everything to make sure my aunts and uncles were OK.

Can you recall a gig so bad that it’s now funny?
I was on stage and there was a group of men who just wouldn’t stop shouting out. They were doing it to all the comedians. When I was on, I just couldn’t take it any more and ended up losing my temper and shouting at them. I came out of my comedy persona, which was frightening. I cried afterwards but now I look back on it and I’m embarrassed. They never booked me again.

Any bugbears from the world of comedy?
Comedians running over their allocated time on stage. A few minutes is OK but when it’s five to 10 minutes, it affects everyone else’s night negatively.

Any preshow rituals?
I never eat a meal before a show otherwise I’ll end up burping on stage. Before I go on stage, I have plenty of water and do a little prayer when I am called to go on stage.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?
From my faith: “What is yours will never miss you and what isn’t yours will never reach you.”

What’s an important lesson you have learned from being a standup?
Your audience are your client or customer, never forget that it’s about them, not you. They must have a good time, and they must be the focus of your time on stage.

Your debut novel for children, The Perks of My Hijab, is due out next year. Can you give us a sneak peek at what readers can expect?
It’s a story of a young girl embracing herself, her identity and navigating this with her family and friends. It’s funny and cool so give it a read.

What’s next for you?
Finding a husband. Are you free on Friday night bruv?