Solihull Arts Complex

Funny To The Core is a monthly comedy club at The Core, bringing the best and funniest UK comedy talent to Solihull.

Headlined by Shappi Khorsandi! Shaparak “Shappi” Khorsandi is a celebrated British-Iranian comedian known for her fearless, funny takes on identity, family, and modern life. 

Shappi established herself as one of the UK’s finest comedians with her sell-out Edinburgh show, Asylum Speaker. Despite the basis for the show being her experiences as a child refugee fleeing Iran and terrorists attempting to murder her father, Shappi’s sensitive yet witty exploration of these events created an instant comedy smash hit.

It also led to the publication of her childhood memoirs, A Beginner’s Guide To Acting English, her best-selling literary debut, described by the Scotsman as "filled with laughter, wonder and compassion". Emma Thompson said “this very funny, acute book also made me cry”.

She’s lit up screens on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI, Have I Got News For You, and even braved the jungle on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! A regular on BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute and countless panel shows, Shappi’s sharp wit and warm storytelling have made her a household name.

Opening the show is Pierre Hollins! Pierre has been an audience favourite on the comedy circuit for many years. In the early days he worked as a support act to Lenny Henry and Rory Bremner, appeared in the West End with Rita Rudner and toured with The Flying Pickets and Willie Rushton & Barry Cryer.

His laid back joyful delivery is second to none, and it is common knowledge that he is the envy of a lot of his fellow peers. Using his guitar to deliver a host of clever jokes that rhyme, it’s easy to see why Pierre has been at the top of the game for so many years. He covers topics from love and hate, to sex and politics with a totally original voice, delivering his material with great charm. Pierre describes himself as ”far-fetched and slightly dangerous”; seeing really is believing as he headlines all the major UK comedy clubs and has performed as far afield as Europe, the Middle East and Asia. His first novel The Karma Farmers has just recently been published by Unbound. His TV credits include Saturday Night Live (Channel 4), Hugh & Laurie (BBC) and Jerry Sadovitz Show (Channel 5).

With the brilliant Jason Patterson! Winner of the Loaded Laftas Rising Star Award, Jason Patterson is a versatile and engaging stand up comedian. Jason has performed at comedy clubs all over the UK and his strong, live performances led to him being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Black Entertainment Comedy Awards.

His material covers a range of topics, from celebrities and relationships to gang culture and his parents’ Saint Vincent heritage. Internationally, he has performed across North America, Europe and the Middle East and has had TV appearances on BBC Three and MTV.

Hosted by Chris Brooker!

Please note, that while we do our best to ensure that we deliver the published bill, line-ups can be subject to change at short notice.