REVIEW: Ifrah Qureshi: 48 Flaws of Power, EdFringe 2026 ★★★

The 48 Flaws of Power is Ifrah Qureshi’s debut hour; it is fun, silly and very funny. She is clearly revelling in being up onstage and in front of audiences every night. She chats to the audience, drawing them in, getting people involved in the show, often calling back to these interactions making the anecdotes more relatable and exciting.

With a wry smile and a glint in her eye Qureshi sets off telling us about her recent life events: her mother has moved in with her, causing many trials and tribulations. In a bid to finally gain the upper hand over her mother, Qureshi turns to the most popular of power-gaining guides: The 48 Laws of Power.

As the show goes on, certain ‘power laws’ boom out over the speakers as a nice segue. It allows Qureshi a chance to transition to the next bit of material without relying too heavily on context. It’s clever, and keeps the show moving.

Qureshi is a great joke writer: 48 Flaws of Power is packed full of them. There is often little time between jokes before Qureshi hits you with another one. The punchlines are smart, carefully thought-out – sometimes catching you off guard and at other times becoming part of a larger joke that builds and builds.

As the show progresses it does start to peter out, with plenty of build-up and chat about how Qureshi’s relationship with her mum has evolved since living together. The finale feels anti-climatic once we eventually reach it. Somewhat underwhelming, letting down the content of the show which preceded it.

The overall theme of 48 Flaws of Power is that maybe the laws of power shouldn’t be applied to your friends and family. You should still enjoy those relationships for what they are; sometimes the wins you think you’re getting aren’t really wins at all.

48 Flaws of Power is a great debut from Qureshi. Charming, funny, and caring, she’s put together a great hour that anyone can enjoy.

Recommended Drink: An IPA – my preferred celebratory drink after invoking the Laws of Power.

Catch 48 Flaws of Power at Stand 4 at The Stand Comedy Club from August 21-30 at 20:15 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.