Community – Birmingham Rep

Farrah Chaudhry’s new play and, seemingly, first play is set in the epicentre of the second city and tells a comedic tale of coming of age, identity and belonging. Zoya and Leyla are ethically, morally and politically in different leagues. While Zoya could be best described slightly spoiled. Leyla is the epitome of nose-to-the-grindstone communal responsibility. When Zoya’s parents decide she no longer has a place in their home (for reasons we’re eager to discover but are never told) she turns to her friend for help, support and a couch to sleep on.

Thus begins the story and were this the TV Times, I could add “with hilarious consequences” though that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. Parts are funny, parts are very funny and lots of it works very well. It’s patchy in parts, though, and has the feeling of a work in progress which would benefit from further hours spent on it. But when it does deliver it does so with aplomb and it was wonderful to be surrounded by a delighted and supportive home crowd cheering on the local writer. 

Director Alice Chambers deftly choreographs proceedings adding a visual flare underpinning the drama with some nice stylistic touches making it engaging to the eye. Jida Akil’s set evoked a number of locales from a bus stop to a community centre and composer Felix Dubs created sounds which were emblematic of the time, the place and the people. Jodie Underwood’s lighting creatively embellishes the production as does the sound design of Clive Meldrum.

Despite a three strong cast they all manage to hold their own throughout with Sabrina Nabi as pampered Zoya taking the lead for the first few scenes as she is forced to volunteer at the community centre but with the focus falling on to Serena Jagpal as Leyla and Sayyid Aki as Khalil later on including a poignant moment of poetry reading at the community talent show from the latter earning a well-deserved round of applause. Each plays a clearly defined and very individual role in the story and handle their characters well.

The Foundry at the Rep has proved itself a well-worn path to success for numerous writers and undoubtedly this writer will follow in their footsteps. And who know what that will lead them? After the rep the play takes on a schools and, appropriately, community centre tour.

“Community” is supported by the Sir Barry Jackson Trust.

Reviewer: Peter Kinnock

Reviewed: 4th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: