Looks like Ali G is gearing up for a comeback! Sacha Baron Cohen, the comedic genius behind the character, is reportedly reviving the iconic wannabe gangster for a brand new stand-up tour, marking a hilarious blast from the past.
Ali G first burst onto the scene around 25 years ago, becoming a sensation with his side-splitting prank interviews featuring unsuspecting experts. His TV show from the early 2000s was a hit, showcasing his unique ability to fool interviewees while delivering uproarious comedy. This character even ventured into his own film and has popped up occasionally over the years.
According to Variety, Baron Cohen, now 51, has been secretly concocting a stand-up tour that will prominently feature Ali G. BBC News has also verified the news, but for now, the specifics of the tour remain a mystery.
Fans of Ali G were treated to a taste of his antics in 2021 when Baron Cohen brought him back for a sketch at the MTV Movie & TV Awards. He also graced the stage of a Sydney comedy club for a one-off routine. Reflecting on the experience, Baron Cohen shared, “I just wanted to get on stage and muck around and see what Ali G would be like with a crowd.” It’s safe to say that his experimentation was a hit, capturing the essence of what made Ali G so entertaining in the first place.
Ali G’s comedic style often relied on tricking interviewees into engaging with his persona while simultaneously lampooning suburban individuals trying to adopt urban youth culture. While it garnered laughs and praise, it wasn’t without its critics who argued that it could be seen as appropriating and mocking black street culture.
Baron Cohen’s masterful touch extends beyond Ali G. His ventures into characters like the Kazakh reporter Borat and the flamboyant Austrian fashionista Bruno have also found tremendous success. With this upcoming stand-up tour, fans can expect a fresh dose of Ali G’s unique brand of humor, undoubtedly leaving audiences in stitches once again.