Following the success of its first edition last year, Brown Sauce, the leading London-based monthly comedy club for South Asian comedy, is thrilled to announce the return of its collaboration with Tara Theatre for the second edition of The Comedy Lab. Taking place on Saturday, 18th October 2025, this special event continues its mission of spotlighting new and unsigned South Asian comedic talent through a dynamic combination of mentorship and performance.

The Comedy Lab offers aspiring comedians the chance to participate in a free one-day comedy workshop in London, led by professional comedians and industry mentors. This hands-on experience aims to help participants sharpen their stand-up skills, develop their unique comedic voices, and gain confidence in front of an audience. The workshop culminates in a ticketed showcase performance that same evening, where participants will deliver a 5-minute set alongside an acclaimed comedy headliner.

Established in 2021, Brown Sauce is an exciting showcase charity night that champions and celebrates underrepresented South Asian comedic voices (as well as other Asian friends) in the industry. Known for its spicy, unfiltered humour that leaves audiences in stitches, the comedy night is hosted and curated by Bangladeshi, British, Canadian, and Muslim female comedian Sharlin Jahan in central London monthly, and features well-known acts and up-and-coming comedians. Past acts have included the likes of Nish Kumar, Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Shazia Mirza, Atsuko Okatsuka, Ahir Shah, Ria Lina, Kiran Deol, Bilal Zafar, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Joshua Bethania.

“The Comedy Lab is about helping the next generation of talent. After a brilliant first year, we’re so excited to return to Tara Theatre and build on that magic with our next cohort.” Says Sharlin Jahan, Founder of Brown Sauce.

Producing work and providing a space for artists to grow for four decades, Tara Theatre is the UK’s oldest global majority-led theatre company. Exploring the world through a South Asian lens Tara Theatre creates innovative, politically charged theatre harnessing the power of co-creation and exploring the complexities of our world through a South Asian lens.

Natasha Kathi-Chandra, Artistic Director of Tara Theatre said:

“We’re so excited to be teaming up with Brown Sauce for the second year running and provide a space that champions the talent of South Asian comedians. Comedy is such a vital means of bringing through fresh talent and storytelling – as well as much joy & fun. We can’t wait to welcome a fresh cohort of budding and established comedians to our stage this October. ” 

Limited spots are available for The Comedy Lab, and aspiring comedians are encouraged to apply before the deadline of Thursday, 4th September. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 20th September, and the workshop and showcase will take place on Saturday, 18th October.

Eligibility criteria include being of South Asian background and having 0-1 years of experience on the comedy scene.

APPLY HERE

Important Dates

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4th September 2025

• APPLICANTS NOTIFIED BY: 20th September 2025

• LAB & SHOWCASE: 18th October 2025