Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sacha Baron Cohen ‘returns as Ali G’ in top secret stand-up comedy set

According to an audience member at a venue in Sydney

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 08 June 2021 09:30 BST
Comments
Borat 2 Trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sacha Baron Cohen is said to have returned as his original creation Ali G.

The actor, who is currently living in Australia with his wife Isla Fisher and their children, reportedly performed as the character in a surprise appearance at a comedy club in Sydney.

No footage of the rumoured set has made its way online as attendees were allegedly asked to put their phones in “locked pouches” before entering.

There have also been no tweets about the event, which indicates revellers may have been asked to sign an embargo form prohibiting mention of it taking place.

The set, which allegedly occurred at The Comedy Store, was “leaked” to The Telegraph, with one audience member claiming that Cohen performed two sets as the character on Saturday (5 June). Both are said to have lasted for 20 minutes.

According to the unnamed source, he had “everyone in stitches”.

The Independent has contacted a rep for Cohen, as well as The Comedy Store, for comment.

Ali G is the character that launched Cohen’s career after the comedian debuted him on The 11 O’Clock Show in the late 1990s.

(Getty Images)

He then had his own Channel 4 series, titled Da Ali G Show, which started in 2000, and spin-off film, Ali G Indahouse in 2002.

Cohen most recently reprised the role of Borat for Amazon hit sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and received an Oscar nomination for Netflix’s The Trial of the Chicago 7.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in