Bush Theatre – until 21st March 2026
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Seasoned playwright Karim Khan has captured the essence of a burgeoning romance between two older souls in their 60s that believed all that was behind them.
Battling with type two diabetes and the unceasing grief for their lost partners, Hema (Shobu Kapoor) and Liaquat (Rehan Sheikh) meet at a diabetes workshop. It feels like you are watching through a window, peeking into their private thoughts and interactions. They acknowledge their differences and what it means, to be Indian and Pakistani. It doesn’t get in the way, anymore than the sweetmeats that are their nemesis!
Kapoor (Hema) lives the part, as if the mannerisms, doubts and opinions are her own and she is playing herself, it feels so real. Sheikh (Liaquat) has a natural, bumbling way, with a dusting of irreverence which brings humour in unexpected places. Together they reflect a depth of emotion in one another, that the audience is surprised to feel with them. My favourite scene is Hema (Kapoor) teaching Liaquat (Sheikh) to cook, getting to know one another in a different way. The seamless flow of the actors gives you a sense of being in your own family kitchen, watching on.
The set is well constructed with clearly defined scenic areas. The on the round staging does reduce the sightline and audibility for those seated to the side. Some of this was counteracted within scenes but not completely.
Nevertheless, a beautifully sculpted piece of writing expertly delivered, with heart and passion.