REVIEW: Dishoom - The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham.

‘Dishoom’ is apparently the sound of a punch or a bullet from 1970’s Bollywood movies (similar to ‘Kapow’ from Marvel Comics) and this is a play set in ‘70s, dealing with some very ‘70s issues, from a North of England ethnic-minority perspective. This is the 70s as it is fondly remembered by some although set against a backdrop of austere, concrete architecture, industrial decline and inter-racial tensions. However, this time capsule of nearly half a century ago resonates with many current issues as the countries struggles to agree on the right approaches to Brexit and Immigration against an on-going backdrop of austerity.

Wide jacket lapels, pop socks, day-glow stripes, flares and appalling wallpaper patterns are all here to remind us of what then passed for fashion but this is juxtaposed with the ‘bovver boots’ and Union Jacks with NF scrawls of the extreme right which was, as of now, a growing concern. Added to this are the vibrantly coloured Indian clothing styles and we have a true melting pot of cultures. 'Dishoom' is a tale of a Britain trying to come to terms with itself but also an Indian community redefining it's own culture. It combines the story of a family’s shame when they bring a disabled boy into the world with the rising anti-immigrant feelings at that time. It is also worth remembering that back in the '70s, there was considerably less provision made for the physically disabled, without high-profile forums such as the Paralympics.

There are several notable performances. Gurkiran Kauer as Baljit seamlessly alternates throughout from a modern '70s young woman in England to a female steeped in Indian heritage, bringing over the cultural gymnastics that were needed. Elijar Baker as Mark brings physical gymnastics to a role which shows some potential difficulties in trying to be accepted into a culture different to your own heritage. Georgia Bell is perfect as the local, generic English girl and James Mace as Keith shows how easily in certain conditions an individually can be drawn into political racism. Seema Bowri presents a strong image of the matriarch and Omar Ibrahim is superb in three roles, notably as Dad, which includes wearing some remarkably colourful turbans with matching accessories.

The impressive stage set is very cleverly constructed so that changes from scene to scene can be easily and quickly achieved. The extremely talented cast is multicultural as was the audience at the Oldham Coliseum. If you are old enough to remember the '70s you can relate to all the characters portrayed. The play is really well written as it shows the intolerance to people who are different that was rife at that time and yet it manages to make a multicultural audience laugh out loud together at the ridiculousness of the very real characters. The pace of the play is good and does not give you time to get bored. When you leave the theatre you can’t help thinking back to the days of the National Front and the way we could be influenced by others in the way we behaved to people who were different.

Writer Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti has written an engaging piece which does full justice to a difficult period of change on several fronts within British society and this is a play which is high relevant to modern Britain as we approach Brexit.

'Dishoom' is on at Oldham Coliseum until 13^th October and then transfers to Warwick Arts Centre and Derby Theatre.

Reviewer - John Waterhouse and Tony Collier
on - 2/10/18