Playhouse East – until 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
3***
This charmingly chaotic show is a wonderful glimpse at Balkan life. Devised and performed by Harun Ćehović, Klara Kaliger, Filip Mayer and Iva L. Šimić, the sense of welcome and community begins as soon as the audience enters, with the cast serving coffee and sweet treats. The lovely conceit that the group are making up the running order of the show embraces the laid-back Balkan attitude, with multiple smoke breaks for the cast included in the series of sketches. A quick slide show presentation explaining the history and beauty of the Balkan states does little to explain the similarities and differences between their cultures – as the performers repeatedly announce, “It’s complicated!” And it’s funny. (Obviously, they don’t mention the war.)
Tales of illegal family businesses back in Croatia – leading to a very handy skill for travelling – NSFW translations of chat over a friendly drink and a free accent coaching session for Filip from an audience member bring lots of laughs. The difficulties of being an immigrant, and the struggle to feel as if you belong, are lampooned wonderfully, with the realities of low paid, jobs and high-rent dumps contrasting with the promises made about new lives in western Europe. In a hilarious sketch as Klara visits various businesses back home for some (very) personal care, she gets mixed reactions – either berated for abandoning the country or celebrated for getting out and chasing a new life. The talented and charismatic writers and performers capture the search for belonging, and constant reminders that they don’t, with heartfelt candour but always with a mischievous glint in their eye that betrays their pride in their heritage and their love of the complicated lives they have chosen.
This funny and thoughtful hour of Balkan treats ends in the only way possible – with dancing, singing and drinking as the audience is invited up to join the cast in celebration.