COMEDY

Kaning it

Award-winning British comic Russell Kane returns to the UAE this month

He’s back. The keenly-awaited brand new tour show is here. Packing more energy than a Duracell factory, the awardwinning British comic Russell Kane will motor through love, family and life during Covid when he performs in Dubai on September 29.

Despite his meteoric success, the Essex-born lad never wanted to be a comedian growing up. He had zero interest in the topic. He’d never been to see comedy, it didn’t amuse him and it wasn’t something he knew anything about.

“When you grow up on a council estate it’s not exactly a pursuit that you go and try on the weekend,” says Kane. By pure accident, someone at his work suggested that he give it a go. So, he took on the challenge to try stand-up on a dare. But after one show, and after hearing his first round of applause, Kane was hooked. Not only did he love it, but audiences and critics loved him too. In 2010 he won comedy’s prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award, swiftly followed by the Barry Award for comedy in 2011.

He’s toured across the UK performing to sold-out shows, starred in his brilliant Bear Grylls-style travel series Stupid Man, Smart Phone and appeared in various other TV appearances, including The Royal Variety Performance, Live At The Apollo & I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here.

Now Kane brings his latest stand-up tour to the UAE, with a one-night-only show at Dubai Opera.

September 29

a Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Wed 8pm, from Dhs150. Tel: (0)4 4408888. dubaiopera.com

PROOF OF VACCINATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

RUSSELL KANE ON….

Getting into stand-up “It wasn’t exactly the result of a lifelong burning passion. I googled ‘stand-up London’, phoned the first number

I saw and got myself an open spot.” ★ Stage fright

“I’m very comfortable on stage… when it’s going well. If it’s not I’ll be hiding in the toilet rocking back and forth.” ★

His new grown-up look “I was in the middle of spraytanning myself in skinny pants when the doorbell went. I opened the door and this window cleaner was touting for work. He said, ‘I’m really sorry to disturb you: is your mum or dad in at all?’ That’s when I knew I needed to change.” ★ His baby

“Babies are so weird – they’re just like a bag of organs with a really gross soft bit on their head.” ★

Being a comedian “I love it. If I ever have a bad day, I think about the things my family have done for a living. The fact that I can walk into a hotel, lie on the bed, watch a sci-fi movie, go and do an hour’s work on stage is incredible.”

AUTHENTIC DESERT EXPERIENCE AT YOUR LEISURE

Gone are the days when rising temperatures and increasing humidity would force us to seek shelter inside. We’re now embracing the bright sunshine and are eager to venture out and experience indigenous excursions which echoe the Emirate’s culture, heritage and traditions. Al Maha, the boutique desert resort was conceptualized with the same phenomena and has successfully upheld the legacy for 23 years.

LOCATION

Just 45 minutes from Dubai Business Bay, the resort sits deep into the conservation reserve. Acting as the flagbearer, Al Maha offers day packages which will not only enrich your Bedouin knowledge but will also provide adrenaline fueled desert excursions and much needed leisure time for you to soak in the serenity and luxury of the resort.

DAYTIME AFFAIR

The resort offers three day packages to choose from. From a laidback Pool package, priced at AED 450, guests can unwind by the Timeless Spa main pool and later enjoy a three-course a la carte lunch at the signature restaurant, Al Diwaan. With the Spa Indulgence package, guests can enjoy the same benefits as the Pool package and as well as a selected spa treatment for AED 640 per person.

A DAYCATION TO REMEMBER

The newly launched Al Maha Bedouin Package is a dusk to dawn excursion which begins and finishes at your doorstep with transportation included. The package offers two meals, breakfast and lunch at Al Diwaan restaurant and four of the best desert activities which are as fun-filled as much as educational – these include archery, wildlife drive, camel trekking and sundowners with bubbles. In between the excursions, guests can relax and soak up the panoramic views of the endless desert whilst lounging by the Timeless Spa infinity pool. Offered at limited capacity, the package is priced at AED 1,150 on weekdays and AED 1,350 on weekends.

LUXURY DESERT ESCAPE

With 42 secluded suites in four different categories, each suite is equipped with private, temperature controlled swimming pool, wooden terrace and is decorated with ancient artifacts and antiques. Starting from AED 3,450 per night, your full board stay for two adults will comprise of three meals and two desert activities per night, per guest.

For more information, or to book your daycation or stay, contact +971 4 8329900, or visit Al-Maha.com