Leila is a 26-year-old writer, composer and comedian from South Wales. In 2023, she made her Edinburgh Fringe debut with a sell-out run of her musical comedy hour ‘Composition’. It was met with critical acclaim – ‘an eye-catching introduction to a comic of promise’ (Guardian). The show then transferred to Soho Theatre, where it was dubbed ‘a debut full of charm, originality and promise’ (The Telegraph). Described as ‘the actual future of comedy’ (LMAOnaise), Navabi is bilingual, and her television and radio stand-up credits are vast in both English and Welsh-language programming. She has provided tour support for Jessica Fostekew, Laura Smyth and Nish Kumar.
So, Leila, tell us about your comedy style?
I’ve seen reviewers and critics and such describe it as ‘irreverent’ and I think that’s probably fair. I think everything I do is grounded ultimately in playfully poking fun – at myself, at the audience, at the material, at the state of the world.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
Relay is a punk-musical one-woman show about love, family and chaos. It starts with a very unusual question: how do you make a baby with your partner, your best friend as sperm donor, and his boyfriend cheering from the side-lines? From there, it dives into the absurd, messy and deeply human journey of chosen family, ambition, and the bonds that hold us together. All told with sharp humour, original music, and a lot of heart. Relay is touring the UK right now following a critically acclaimed run at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it was named one of The Guardian’s ‘10 Best Shows to Catch’.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
G.O.D (going outdoors daily). I think the best stuff comes from when not trying to make something or be clever or impressive or whatever. Sometimes that’s a necessity obviously, but free time to just exist I think is a pretty crucial component to this whole thing.
What do you think makes great comedy?
Knowingness. I think as long as you know where you’re coming from and why, the execution will follow and then you’ll feel comfortable on stage/ in your writing. And that’s what always cuts through in my opinion.
Any advice for those starting out?
If it’s not making you happy, change something. There are so many ways to ‘do comedy’ – give yourself a chance and find what works for you. If you’re not enjoying yourself, that will start to show.
What’s next for you?
Lots of things I can’t talk about but to be vague – I am in the process of writing a real proper actual musical. And I’m really, really excited about it.
Details of the tour and Leila’s upcoming shows can be found here.
You can follow Leila in all the usual places, here.
