Shalaka Kurup is an Indian stand-up comedian and writer based in London. Known for her sharp observational humour and distinctively deadpan style, she has quickly made her mark on the UK comedy circuit. A doctor by education and a comedian by choice, Shalaka has earned several accolades including, Funny Women Finalist, winning the West End New Act of the Year, runner up Brighton Komedia New Act of the year and second runner-up at the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year.

 

Performances include opening for Eshaan Akbar, Ria Lina, and was selected for both the Leicester Comedy Festival Circuit Breakers and the Pleasance Reserve in 2023. Her critically acclaimed debut show, Get A Grip, premiered at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has starred on Comedy Central Live Season 3, Jokes Only A…Can Tell (Channel 4 Digital) Asian Network Comedy (BBC) Arts Hour Comedy Special (BBC) and Sunday Morning Live (BBC1).

WINNER: West End New Act of the Year 2023 

WINNER: Roast Battle UK Champion 2023 & 2024

WINNER: Roast Battle International MVP 2023

WINNER RUNNER UP: Brighton Komedia New Act 2023

WINNER SECOND RUNNER UP: Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2023

FINALIST: Funny Women Awards 2025

FINALIST: Sean Lock Award 2024

FINALIST: 2Northdown New Act Competition 2022

FINALIST: Leicester Comedy Festival Circuit Breaker 2023 

 “An impressive arsenal of cool, sardonic stand-up” CHORTLE   

 “a daring and brilliantly constructed debut from a comedian with a huge future, a must see!” EDINBURGH NEWS  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“This years must see hour” – THE COMICS COMIC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Her dark and sometimes absurd humour shines through” EUROPEAN COMEDY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Her comedy is intoxicating” BINGE FRINGE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A show as slick as it is sardonic” BROADWAY BABY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️