TOMBOY – Asli Akbay

Born in London to Turkish parents, former psychologist Asli Akbay spent years studying human behaviour, only to decide making people laugh was way more fun than listening to them cry. Asli started stand-up comedy in London then moved to Istanbul 10 years ago in search of the perfect kebab and accidentally became the godmother of Turkey’s English comedy scene (a title she made up, but it’s too late for anyone to argue). Asli performs in both Turkish and English, breaking cultural barriers and disappointing her family in multiple languages.

She performed her solo show ‘Tomboy’ at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and earned a 5 star review for its “bold and hilarious relatable content delivered with the ease of a stand-up comedy veteran” and was praised as “an enjoyable and illuminating hour with humour and great storytelling.” Whether performing in English or Turkish, her style remains consistently “delightful, wacky and outrageous” – a description that’s followed her from London’s comedy clubs.

Tomboy is an absolute must-see. Akbay’s take on her unconventional childhood, her gender identity, and the absurdities of societal expectations isn’t just funny; it’s also razor-sharp, honest, and more than a little bit audacious. It’s the kind of comedy that’ll have you laughing while simultaneously wondering if she just cracked open your very soul.