A corner shop production full of heart, hardship and hope
An adaptation of the novel by Sathnam Sanghera of the same name, Marriage Material explores the complexities of moving to Britain for a better life, only to find that life may not want you in it. Sanghera’s story is itself based on Arnold Bennett’s 1908 novel, The Old Wives’ Tale, ranked as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
Re-contextualised to feature an Indian community of immigrants ‘fresh off the boat’, Marriage Material sticks closely to the lives of the Bains family, following them through deaths, marriages and family drama on a magnificent scale. Playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti rewrote several elements for the story, retaining ‘the heartbeat of the play’ and bringing us a vibrantly colourful version full of laughter and light.
Set predominately in 1960s Britain, this story takes place during the Enoch Powell era, when 75% of the British population agreed with his demand for non-white immigration to be stopped completely. Marriage Material touches briefly on these heavier political topics, contributing to a more prominent overarching theme of identity crisis and cultural shift.
Director Iqbal Khan helms the production, creating dynamic, lively scenes amongst a fantastic set by Good Teeth. A suspended set of exterior walls hang above the stage, representing the home over the corner shop where generations of Bains live their lives. Costume also by Good Teeth is similarly excellent, as each actor inhabits their characters across decades.
An incredibly strong ensemble, the cast carry the production with their lively energy and superb talent. A standout is Jaz Singh Deol, completely transforming from a traditional Indian father into his own grandson, a contemporary creative director. He is completely unrecognisable, with superb casting by Jatinder Chera.
Although it’s hard to believe the stunning Kiran Landa is the supposedly fat and unattractive Kamaljit, she inhabits her role as the cautious sister with ‘her own hidden and forbidden desires’ with humour and poise. Anoushka Deshmukh is equally strong as the rebellious and courageous sister Surinder.
A roaring success with the audience, we laugh, gasp and cheer along with the characters. A co-production between Lyric Hammersmith and Birmingham Rep, Marriage Material brings a timely commentary on the immigrant experience that is both sobering and uplifting.