top of page

HAVE YOUR          SAY.....

Whether you agree or disagree with our critics, we welcome  your comments and will try to include them at the end of the review. 

Please use our contact form 

Sunita's spicy family secrets are a treat for nosy parkers


The stars of Happy Birthday Sunita.

Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre.


Happy Birthday Sunita at Warwick Arts Centre until June 24

Review by Annette Kinsella

There is a reason that striptease – which was first recorded in the 4th century – is such an enduring form of entertainment. Not that one! Get your mind out of the gutter. The real reason for its appeal, I think, is because it speaks to the inherent curiosity of humans. The gradual reveal which eventually lays bare a full picture is a gift to nosy parkers everywhere. It’s probably also why sales of jigsaws are consistently high.


Bear with me because I’m going somewhere with this, believe it or not. It’s this basic human desire to ferret out hidden secrets that lies at the heart of Happy Birthday Sunita, the new play from The Rifco Theatre Company, currently playing at Warwick Arts Centre.


In rehearsals: Harleen (Rameek Rauli) and Nav (Devesh Kishor).

Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre.


Centred around the birthday celebrations of the eponymous Sunita, the curtain goes up on the surly newly 40 year old (Bhawna Bhawsa) as she returns home from work to cower from the prospect of her big night. From then on, the audience is treated to a rollicking ride as members of the Johal clan arrive to clean, cook, drink and dance to mark the occasion, lower middle-class style.


But all is not as it seems as during the course of the festivities the trials and tribulations of the family are revealed in tantalising increments. What is the mystery surrounding Sunita’s absent father? What secret is brother Nav (Devesh Kishore) hiding under his turban? And why has the local builder been invited to the party?


In rehearsals: Sunita (Bhawna Bhawsar), Maurice (Kieron Crook), Harleen (Ramneet Rauli), Nav (Devesh Kishore).

Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre.


Stealing the show was Divya Seth Shah who played beleaguered mum Tejpal to Goodness Gracious Me style perfection. Her acting was pitch perfect as she gradually shed her tough exterior to reveal the vulnerable older woman struggling to cope as the foundation on which her life was built crumbles. Acting as a perfect foil to her martyred matriarch was comedic daughter-in-law Harleen (Rameet Rauli), struggling to balance her role as traditional Indian wife with her glamourous career in fashion.


The action was brisk and sharp, as each puzzle piece of the plot fell into place to uncover the truth – a device which will resonate with anyone who has ever been part of a family. The cliffhanger nature of the action will also grab all amateur sleuths who pride themselves on figuring a conspiracy out before the penny drops – think of An Inspector Calls set in a 90s Punjabi family home.


In rehearsals: Harvey Virdi (Writer), Pravesh Kumar (Director). Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre.


Which brings me to the unseen star of the show – the set designer. As anyone who read my review of Abigail’s Party will know, I am a sucker for some authentic scenery, and this did not disappoint. The beauty was in the blandness – the high gloss kitchen, perfectly plumped cushions and tasteful beechwood dining table captured the Johan’s suburban palace to a tee. I say to a tea, although in the interests of transparency I will relay the comment of my (Punjabi) friend: ‘that’s not authentic. A real Punjabi sofa would still have the plastic covers on’. I’ll leave that there.


The play wasn’t perfect – the dialogue, stilted at the start, seemed to gallop towards the end, when all problems were solved and resentments forgotten in a slightly-too-tidy finale. But this aside, this wry feel-good comedy is a perfect slice of family life – grab your sari and samosas and go and join the party.


Tags:

Comments

bottom of page