Hasan Al-Habib discusses issues of identity and belonging in a convincingly amiable debut hour, where excellent timing and a genial energy belie his relatively short time behind the mic (he got into comedy while pursuing a PhD in cancer science). Much of the set plays with ideas of belonging: Iraqi or Brummie? Stand-up or scientist? Cry-baby or cry-Iranian? This leads us through a set of anecdotes which all hit their mark, even if the odd punchline does announce its arrival fairly early.

Frequent accent shifts create a cast of characters, it’s plenty pacy, and the laughs of recognition come pleasingly often as Al-Habib makes light of the inevitable racism he encountered as the only Iraqi kid in town. Yet he handles all this with the lightest of touches: there’s a matter-of-factness to his storytelling that’s invitingly beguiling, even as he shares some absolute horror stories (though not horror movies, cos they don’t scare refugees).

Interestingly, the final third feels much looser than what’s gone before, and that’s where glimpses of a deeper emotional connection to the material emerge. This suggests Al-Habib has plenty more to explore, and his ability to bring a room with him means there’s more than enough potential to dive a little deeper (if he wants to). And if he doesn’t? Fair play. As it stands, this is a solid hour with plenty of laughs, a convincing through-line and more than enough Thatcher jokes to win him a legion of Scottish fans. 

Hasan Al-Habib: Death To The West (Midlands), Pleasance Courtyard, until 24 August, 4.30pm; picture: Matt Stronge.