Laughs without borders: Norah on unlocking cultural connection through stand-up comedy

A vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis, Shanghai has added another facet to its already rich offerings by establishing itself as "the comedy hub of China." In this dynamic city, Norah Yang wears many hats: a sharp-witted bilingual stand-up comedian, the founder of English and Chinese stand-up comedy club Spicy Comedy, and a keen observer of the laughter that unites global audiences. She explores how comedy serves as a universal language – one capable of bridging cultures and transcending national boundaries.

According to data from a leading Chinese entertainment analytics platform, stand-up comedy saw a significant rise in professional theater performances in the first half of 2025, driving notable growth in overall box office revenue. The number of stand-up comedy shows increased by 54.1 percent year on year, while box office revenue surged by 134.9 percent, making it the second-largest category in theater performances.

What "cultural surprises" does stand-up comedy bring? What distinguishes Norah's performances in Shanghainese, Mandarin and English? And what is the key to unlocking laughter across language barriers? As the year winds down, Norah shares her thoughts and hopes for the future.