How can you tell if your neighbour is speaking Muslim? Is a mosque a kind of hedgehog? Can I get fries with that burka? You can’t trust the media any longer, but there’s no need to fret: this comedy extravaganza will attempt to answer all your questions.

Join critically acclaimed, prize-winning comedians Omar Hamdi, Esther Manito and Amrou Al-Kadhi for some stand-up comedy. All published in Don’t Panic I’m Islamic, which was released by Saqi Books this summer in response to Trump’s ‘Muslim Ban,’ they will later be joined by journalist, author and broadcaster Bidisha for a lively look at what the arts and comedy can do to combat stereotypes and regressive identity politics.

This event is based on the satirical collection, Don’t Panic I’m Islamic: Words and Pictures on How to Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Alien Next Door, published by Saqi Books in partnership with Arts Council England and the Arab British Centre. Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the night.

Omar Hamdi is a Welsh-Egyptian TV presenter, comedian and writer. He has performed at festivals and events around the world and won a BAFTA among other awards.

Esther Manito is an up and coming Lebanese-British comedian. She has been listed as ‘One to watch’ 2016 by Funny Women and will be performing stand up at Edinburgh Fringe this summer.

Amrou Al-Kadhi is a British-Iraqi writer, performer, filmmaker and drag queen. He performs with musical comedy drag troupe Denim, and is currently working on a comedy TV series and a feature film which are in development with Channel 4 and the BBC.

Bidisha is a writer, journalist and broadcaster specialising in social justice, international affairs, gender and the arts. She is a Trustee of the Booker Prize Foundation.

saqibooks.com/book/panic-islamic/

This event is part of Essex Book Festival’s PLACE weekend in Colchester. Click here for a list of events taking place as part of the hub.