Playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti is recognized for her groundbreaking 2005 drama, Behzti, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. This piece, addressing sensitive topics of rape and violence within a Sikh gurdwara, sparked significant controversy upon its release, leading to the cancellation of its run at the Birmingham Rep after violent protests.
Since then, Bhatti has continued to tackle challenging themes in her work, including her recent touring play, Scenes from Lost Mothers, and a storyline on coercive control for The Archers. However, audiences expecting more of her thought-provoking narrative style may be surprised by her latest production, Choir. Set against the backdrop of a community choir rehearsing for a potential television debut, the play leans more toward comedy and light-hearted situations than the darker themes of her previous works.
The vibrant eight-member cast delivers an enjoyable performance, showcasing musical numbers like Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and the Eagles’ “Hotel California” with remarkable harmony. Director Hannah Joss’s smooth transitions between musical scenes effectively enhance the overall pacing. Yet, the character development feels somewhat clichéd, introducing us to archetypes like the eccentric pensioner Sheila, the lonely divorcee Ken, the diva-esque ex-star Paul, and the troubled upstart Freddie.
The first half follows familiar group dynamics, where newcomer Freddie upstages the regular soloist Paul, creating tension exacerbated by the looming presence of a TV crew. The story unfolds with plenty of secrets and slapstick humor, providing moments of comic relief. However, as the play progresses toward its conclusion, emotional revelations take center stage. Danusia Samal’s portrayal of the cheerful Anna delivers a poignant monologue that reveals the sorrow behind her outward happiness, while a powerful duet between Keenan Munn-Francis’s shy Freddie and James Gillan’s acerbic Paul delivers an emotional rendition of Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Quick twists lead to heartwarming moments as the finale approaches. Although it may feel a bit rushed by the end, Choir ultimately provides a refreshing, feelgood experience for Bhatti, showcasing her versatility as a playwright.
Running at Minerva Theatre, Chichester until August 30.
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