My Beautiful Laundrette, Curve Leicester Review

Written by Hollie for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

Caution: This show includes themes of suicide as well as depictions of violence, smoking, alcoholism and bad language.

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This production, supported by The National Theatre, sets the scene by playing classic 80s tracks such as ‘London Calling’ and ‘Killer Queen’ as you enter Leicester’s Curve Studio Theatre. With Live Aid posters adorning the set and splashes of green and pink neon, this show is firmly set in the 1980s in the days of Margaret Thatcher and when the Union Jack still fluttered. 

The show provides two different perspectives, with the first being Omar’s, played by Lucca Chadwick-Patel, who after the death of his mother is taken under the wing of his uncle Nasser, played by Kammy Darweish. Nasser provides Omar with a job washing cars at his garage but sees a lot of potential in him very quickly and promotes him to the executive. I felt that Kammy Darweish’s portrayal of his character was particularly powerful and hilariously funny at the same time. The show provided lots of funny moments and dry humour was used throughout the show.

Omar’s Papa, played by Gordon Warnecke, doesn’t believe in what his brother is teaching Omar and calls him the crook, as he believes that education is power. Papa would like Omar to go to college and marry a lady but Uncle Nasser has other ideas. Gordon Warnecke originally played Omar in the 1985 film, and it was wonderful to see Gordon take on the role of Papa in the same show. 

The other perspective is of Johnny, played by Sam Mitchell, one of three white gang members who when they aren’t stealing electrical goods to make money, are squatting and looking for a fight. I would have liked to see more of the perspective of the three squatters, as I feel that the contrast in characters could have been explored more. 

Omar and Johnny’s paths cross when Omar is made the new owner of Nasser’s Laundrette, and after knowing Johnny since childhood, Omar asks him to come and work for him. The pair work hard together to develop the laundrette into a place that people want to use, and they form more than just a working relationship during their busy working hours. 

As Omar so cleverly states, they can be something together that they can’t be apart. An offer, a chance, a future, it’s a lot and this production explores that beautifully. 

Omar and Johnny constantly have to keep an eye on Salim, played by Hareet Deol, who offers them different opportunities and tests them at different points to see what they are made of. 

The stripped back staging, designed by Grace Smart, was really clever and was constantly moved throughout the show. The use of neon colours and lighting ensured that the focus was on the characters and the plot. I really liked the use of the pops of colour and the illuminated washing machines changed the mood throughout the show. 

This Made at Curve production begins its UK tour here in Leicester after its world premiere in 2018. This adaptation to the stage is a result of Hanif Kureshi’s Oscar-nominated film from 1985. Leicester is a fantastically diverse and multicultural city and is the perfect host for this contemporary and timely production. The similarities between the 1980s and today in 2024, can be easily drawn with themes such as prejudice, racism, politics and migration being woven throughout the show. 

The UK tour continues until April 2024 at theatres including The Lowry Salford, The Liverpool Playhouse and The Blackpool Grand. 

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆