Review: THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA, RSC
Photo credit: Steve Tanner
Emma Rice is known for her fearless directing and The Buddha of Suburbia doesn't disappoint. A new play, based on the 1990 novel by Hanif Kureishi, has been adapted and co-produced by Wise Children into a 2 hour 50 minute play (including interval).
Immediately we are transported back to the seventies, complete with paisley carpet stairs, flares and an orange velvet sofa. Twenty year old Karim introduces us to his family and friends who are all there to celebrate his new job. He wants to take us back three years previously. As he does The Bee Gees sing ‘Tragedy’ in the background and the cast perform a lightly choreographed sequence. We then delve into his life in Beckenham and here, Karim battles with his Indian heritage, complicated family and sexuality.
Throughout this intriguing story is the beating heart of Karim's family. With all their flaws and tendencies to live in the past, they are generous, hilarious and wholesome at the core. The cast are superb. All, except Karim, play a multitude of characters and do this seamlessly throughout. Ewan Wardrop leaves the stage with a RADA worthy English accent and comes back on less than 30 seconds later with a broad Scottish brogue.
Often breaking the fourth wall, the interaction with the audience is warm and balanced. Although it tackles many difficult topics, such as racism and arranged marriage, The Buddha of Suburbia mixes comedy with satire, with many endearing characters and cliches to amuse.
The set has many levels to it, allowing spaces to be created throughout the piece and allowing transitions to be purposeful, with the cast moving furniture alongside a booming seventies soundtrack. All of this is beautifully and subtly choreographed by Etta Murfitt.
Although this coming of age play has great strengths, as mentioned, it is also a tad too long. There's some wonderful puppetry of pigeons and foxes which, whilst representing this district of Greater London, doesn't really feel needed or purposeful and also adds unnecessary minutes to this performance.
Overall, The Buddha of Suburbia has many depths to it, with a great and adaptable cast and a record collection that Benny and Bjorn would be envious of. Finishing in 1979 with Thatcher's seemingly inevitable election, during a time of austerity. This play, set over 40 years ago, feels more relevant than ever. And if the thought of Thatcher and 13% inflation doesn’t sound like entertainment to you…The Buddha of Suburbia, without doubt, has the most comical orgy scene ever to grace the stage. Grab a ticket while you can!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton
The Buddha of Suburbia plays at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon until 1 June, with further info here.