CAIRO — Guffaws from the third floor of a large building echo along Adly Street in downtown Cairo on a cool March evening. The main hall at 9 Adly Street, a comedy club that takes its name from its address, is packed with people of all ages, sitting at tables or standing, laughing and chuckling at the familiar picture of daily life painted by the young stand-up comedian on stage.

From the stage, Islam Amin laments the obligation and paradox of Egyptian grooms having to buy expensive gifts for his fiancee and her entire family, a hot topic these days in Egypt.

“If I buy all the gifts, then I won't have enough money for a wedding,” he said. “If I don't buy the gifts, there will not be a wedding.” As the audience laughs or clucks in agreement, Amin leaves the stage, turning it over to a comedian who launches into an animated description of fat people using the crowded public transport system.

The sets are part of 9 Adly Street's first Cairo Comedy Festival, which presents three two-hour sessions a week featuring different comedians, from Feb. 15 to March 16. More than 50 comedians have performed at the club since it opened in July 2018, including some making regular appearances. The club is typically open two hours a week and also schedules a number of open mic events so amateur performers can take the stage.