Omar Badawy is Egyptian-born and Cambridge-raised. And last year, he got caught up in Tommy Robinson’s far-right march. While dressed as a Viking. If that sounds like a good premise around which to hook your debut Edinburgh Fringe hour, you’d be right. He discusses what happened on the march, interspersed with stories about his life making this very much an introductory hour. Despite being Muslim, his parents sent him to a strict Christian school, where he experienced quite the culture shock. He tells us about his Iraqi American girlfriend and their cultural differences. There’s a high gag rate, with some absolute crackers; Badawy is one of the writers for SNL UK, and it’s easy to see why he was snapped up. 

As with many debut hours, Badawy muses over his identity, self-describing as a guy who doesn’t really want to get involved in anything. He’s unable to make decisions and keeps getting dragged into things, whether that’s protests, previous jobs, his relationship, and even comedy itself; at that point comes a slightly stuttering delivery and you wonder whether it’s really him or all part of the act. Whatever the answer, it makes for a promising debut from this rising star.

Omar Badawy: Guided Detour, Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 August, 4.35pm; picture: Matt Stronge.