Produced by Turtle Key Arts and AIK Productions, Belgrade Theatre Coventry presents a special live-streaming show, Jabala and the Jinn, during its opening season.

Growing up as a young Muslim boy in Bradford and wanting to share his culture and experiences particularly in the theatre industry, where sadly British Muslims are still underrepresented, award-winning playwright Asif Khan has written a marvellous play, celebrating Arabic culture, family and children’s theatre on stage.

Jabala is seven-years-old. She is a vivacious, bright little girl who lives with her Dad in Bradford. Her Mum died a few months ago and since then, her Dad has had to adapt to single parent life and has found some extra octaves in his voice to try to get Jabala to school on time! Jabala has a ritual (which she shared with her mum) to say “ As-salamu alaykum”, a Muslim salutation, when leaving the house. One day she hears a mysterious voice replying to her in Arabic. Is it her Mum or has she imagined it?

With the help of her new ‘Refugee Boy’ school friend Munir, who appears to be the biggest Shakespeare enthusiast you could ever meet, she learns that the voice belongs to a Jinn and with some garlic and a cup (that all parents will now be aware of!), they summon this mysterious Jinn.  But summoning a Jinn is not ordinary and nothing like the ones told to Jabala and Munir in their family’s stories; particularly this Jinn, Sarah, who can only have a 7-year-old-girl’s appearance for a few minutes.

The friendship between the trio is enjoyable-to-watch and is highlighted as the day of Eid approaches. But unpredictable events occur and Jabala and her friends face some difficult decisions and consequences. Will things come together in time for the celebration with her dad?

Divided into multiple but connected pieces of Jabala’s life, the show shines a light on its talented three actors. Jabala’s role is performed perfectly by the dazzling Bradford-born Natalie Davies; multi-skilled Jay Varsani plays Jabala's father character as good as the gentle, young Shakespeare-obsessed Munir and last but not least, Safiyya Ingar radiates energy and is entirely likeable as Sarah the Jinn.

Director and children’s theatre expert Rosamunde Hutt's masterful direction works brilliantly with the camera’s directives, and Mila Sanders' effective well-thought out set design works harmoniously with Aideen Malone's lighting and James Hesford's soundtrack.

Bringing authentic, exciting, sad and funny moments about family, friendship, grief and forgiveness, Asif Khan's well-written play draws the audience in with this charming adventurous tale. With clear voices, choreographic movement and genius staging, both children and adults alike will be captivated by this heart-warming story.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Alexia Irene

Jabala and the Jinn can be streamed until 24 April here.