Lisbon Comedy: Standup Comedy in English

Looking for the perfect Saturday night plan? Look no further! Whether you're a group of friends out for some Saturday shenanigans, or a couple looking for a fun evening out - this is the place for you. Even if you show up by yourself - we guarantee we will lift you up. Comedy is the best ice breaker and also the perfect aphrodisiac. There's no better way to start your weekend!

Laugh twice as hard than ever before! Saturday Splits brings together two of Lisbon's best comedians with one mission. TO HAVE YOU IN SPLITS!

The comedy scene in Lisbon is growing and alongwith that our comedians have more and more material they'd love to showcase in front of you. Join us at this special split bill showcase featuring two handpicked comedians from Lisbon's vibrant comedy scene. We'll add in some amazing vibes from our lovely hosts and this will be a night to remember!

This week we feature two of Lisbon's favorite comics - Hilal Kassem and Xinyi Li!

Hilal Kassem is a Lebanese **comedian **and **psychologist **who grew up in Nigeria and spent years doing mental health work in crisis zones before realizing stand-up comedy was a more sustainable coping mechanism. He’s worked with survivors of war, torture, and people who reply all, and now channels those experiences into comedy that blends cultural critique with personal absurdity—digging into identity, power, and the ongoing mess of colonialism. Performing in English and Arabic, Hilal has brought his stand-up to stages across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, serving punchlines that land harder than a visa rejection.

Xinyi Li, made in China and broke in Portugal, wisely launched her comedy career amidst the global pandemic and couldn’t stop ever since. Now, Xinyi continues to explore cultural shenanigans, dating kerfuffles, and her love-hate relationship with the city she chose to call home -- Lisbon.

Welcome to Republic of Comedy, Lisbon’s international standup comedy club based in the legendary Lisbon-center bar Xafarix, and our Monday evening open mic!

* ENGLISH LANGUAGE * STANDUP COMEDY * OPEN MIC *

Our open mic is a wonderfully relaxed show ranging from experienced comics trying new material, other established comedians trying to polish their best, to newcomers trying standup for the first time. And as a special ingredient, some of us will improvise new jokes based on topics you suggested anonimously! It’s like magic, but funny (when it goes well)!

But who is the MC? Well, friend, it’s hosted by the Republic’s own Francesco Kirchhoff, seasoned and happy/grim/partially flamboyant veteran of standup and part-time mixologist, leading through the night with whatever charm he has left on a Monday evening (he’s been called smart and risky by the leading UK comedy reviewer, but don’t hold it against her).

The lineup, you ask, with your question-asking face? It’s a secret! Or is it a mystery? Either way, no preannounced lineup — though we always take care to have a good mix between seasoned pros and newcomers to make sure we all have fun.

But what about the entry cost?! Oh, you. Just bring your vibes, whichever you have at hand (good ones preferred). This show is donation-based, aka pay what you think is fair at the end. Because artists should be paid for their work, but everybody should have access to art.

Is this good marketing copy, you wonder? Probably not, but dear god, we are comedians and we are a bit sick of trying to be social media marketers (with some offense to social media marketers. except you, if you’re one. You are different, I think we both could tell you’re special. What are you doing later?).