East is East

Ayub Khan Din’s play is as funny today as it was when it premiered back in1996. The 1999 film version was a huge success and, like all theatre that goes on to become a hit movie, that iconic status will often throw up huge barriers for any subsequent stage version. But not with this production, the company deliver a pacy performance that manages to balance perfectly the comedy with the tragedy of this family story of Interracial marriage. Bullying George is portrayed movingly by Simon Nagra, finely delivering the conflicts thrown up by his faith, his Irish Catholic wife and Northern English life and morality. Pauline McLynn does a good job, perhaps not yet comfortable in the role, (Linda Basset’s defining performance is a tough act to follow), but by the second half she hit her stride for her best and most emotional scenes. The family are all excellently played but special mention goes to Adam Karim who brought a wonderful vulnerability and believability to his role as the young Sajit. Mention to for Sally Bankes who as Aunty Annie epitomised that wonderful Lancashire trait of the all knowing, all caring and always there neighbour/relative. I saw in her so many of the women of my own northern childhood. A good set added to the whole  but at the end of the day this play rides on a foundation of rock solid writing.
Theatre Royal Brighton
15 June
Andrew Kay
5 stars