Community, Birmingham Rep Review

Community production image. Photo by Graeme Braidwood.

Written by Emily for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Birmingham Rep’s Community is a lively and heartfelt exploration of what it truly means to belong. Set in a local community centre fighting for survival, the play weaves together the lives of a diverse trio of characters as they navigate their personal struggles, find unexpected connections, and ultimately learn that community isn’t just a place—it’s something you have to build.

From the get-go, the production radiates an undeniable Brummie spirit. The script is deliciously sarcastic, packed with real-life wit that rings true to anyone familiar with the city’s humour. It tackles big themes—culture, belonging, personal values—without ever feeling heavy-handed, balancing moments of raw emotion with sharp comedy. There’s a beautiful irony in how a play about community feels like one itself, as the audience is drawn into the highs and lows of its characters’ journeys.

While the speed at which the dialogue is delivered occasionally means that some jokes are lost, the overall energy of the cast is infectious. The staging is simple but highly effective, with bold beats punctuating scene changes in a way that keeps the momentum rolling. One such highlight comes mid-show when the audience is unexpectedly invited to join in a bit of yoga. This delightful moment encapsulates the play’s ability to surprise and engage in equal measure.

But in amongst the laughs and sarcasm, there remains such a sense of cold reality to this production. One scene in particular which both stood out and silenced the audience completely came from Sayyid Aki as Khaleel, a recent immigrant still adapting to the ways in Britain. His breathtaking war poetry provides a moment of raw, unfiltered emotion that lingers long after the lights go down, truly capturing the soul. In a play full of humour and warmth, this instance of quiet intensity is a testament to the power of words and the depth of storytelling Community achieves.

With its blend of humour and poignancy, sharp writing, and a deep-rooted love for Birmingham, Community offers a fresh and engaging take on what it means to belong. Beautifully written by Rep Foundry graduate, Farrah Chaudhry, it is a must-see for anyone who’s ever questioned where they belong—or simply loves a good story well told.

At Birmingham Rep until 8 February 2025

★ ★ ★ ★