But Raul Kohli suspects his message won't stick

Comedian Raul Kohli says his Edinburgh Fringe show persuaded a hard-right member of the English Defence League to see the error of his ways.

The Geordie comic said the EDL supporter was prepared to watch a show from an Asian stand-up because of the  show’s title – Raul Britannia.

And afterwards the extremist, who was from Sunderland, said he’d seen some things in a new light.

In a video posted on X, Kohli said the punter admitted he was in the EDL to a flyerer who handed him a leaflet for the show.

She assured him he would enjoy the show – and would buy him and his friend a pint if he didn’t.

Kohli said: ‘‘They came out of the show and she asked, "Did you enjoy it?" He said, "Yeah it’s changed my opinion on a number of things." Then he brought her a beer.’ 

AN EDL MEMBER CAME TO MY SHOW!

Raul Britannia
Every Day #Edfringe
Cabaret Voltaire
6.30pm#Southport #britain #England #riots #Edl pic.twitter.com/7G8Iffzu2R

— Raul Kohli (@RaulKohliComic) August 8, 2024

However the comic is sceptical about making lasting change, telling Metro: ‘I’m not sure how much of a difference it will make because how often do we get the space in our consciousness to just stop and think, reflect and change an opinion. 

‘He might think about it a little bit, but then go home, go on Twitter, and his algorithm will reconfirm all his worst prejudices. Then he’ll forget about my show and fall back into that way of thinking.’  

Published: 16 Aug 2024