My Beautiful Laundrette Review (Curve Theatre Studio, Leicester)

17 February 2024 I 19:45 I Curve Theatre, Leicester

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Returning after a successful 2019 run, My Beautiful Laundrette excels at Leicester's Curve Theatre in reflecting the hardships of homosexuality, racism and gender inequality through a Thatcherite era. Accompanied by the music of the Pet Shop Boys, these interludes allow the show to flow brilliantly. Though amassing a 2hrs 30min run time (incl. interval), the action doesn't always maintain consistency.

A highlight for me is Bret Yount's fight direction, especially between Hareet Deol's Salim and Paddy Daly's Genghis. Pakistani tensions against a fascist Britain are wholly frightening, concluding in forceful and creeping brutalities of white supremacy. Racism is at the forefront, where it is dealt with sensitivity but also a strong social realism. It may be set during the 80s, however the themes of prejudice are unfortunately still relevant, all the more important to present today.

Lucca Chadwick-Patel and Sam Mitchell starring as Omar and Johnny are remarkable. Their chemistry progressively bubbles, truly investing and holding the heart of the story, despite the challenges. Based on Hanif Kureishi's 1985 screenplay, the scripting is it's most powerful tool. Sharan Phull (Tania) perfects her delivery of the text, such impassioned dialogue on her responsibility as a young Muslim woman. These experiences through the entire cast are presented as so lived and sincere.

And what a pleasure to see Gordon Warnecke portraying Papa following his original role as Omar in the 1985 film. We could not have been luckier to see such a legendary performance. And you feel his resonance to the story almost 40 years later, sustaining so much meaning. And returning to my previous statement, very little in Britain's history has developed, refusing to change.

Grace Smart's set is simplistic but also extremely functional and intimate to shift between indoors and outdoors, a home to the laundrette, even a nightclub. You get lost within every atmosphere.

Directed by Nicole Behan (prev. Nikolai Foster), this play is such a vital watch, a lesson in empathy for all audiences. Booked less than 24hrs before, I am so lucky to have caught this Curve x National Theatre collaboration, a truly insightful experience that will be impossible to forget.

Part of a shorter series of reviews, initially published on Instagram to manage university demand.