OPTIMISTIC, highly energetic comedian Imran Yusuf visits the Hyena Lounge Comedy Club in the Basement at City Screen, York, on Sunday night on his debut tour.

Born in Mombasa, Kenya and raised in Britain, along with a brief stint at an American school, Yusuf has travelled much of the world, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Saudi Arabia during the Lebanon Crisis in 2006.

Catapulted from a relatively unknown status to Best Newcomer nominee in the 2010 Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Yusuf performed no fewer than 106 shows in his solo debut at last August’s Fringe Free Festival, while simultaneously fasting between sunrise and sunset in observation of Ramadan.

His wanted to become a video game designer, but after working for several British companies, he gravitated to stand-up comedy. Since overcoming clinical depression at 25, he has honed his craft, culminating in last summer’s five-star reviews for his seemingly light-hearted satire that masks topical commentary on racism, sexism and religion.

Doors open at 7pm for Sunday’s 7.30pm start. Tickets cost £12, concessions £10, on 0871 902 5726.