★★★★

“a beautifully constructed show, every chaotic choice pays off”

Colin Hoult was named after his father, and so he grew up as little (likkle) Colin. This is the springboard for a warm and moving show that muses on the language of neurodiversity, communication and parenting.

Colin has ADHD and mirroring that, his show jumps around at a frenetic pace. He leaps from a Christmas in 1986, to his son’s dinosaur impressions, to the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. But it is a beautifully constructed show, every chaotic choice pays off and it ties back to a message of hope and kindness.

Colin is at his best when he impersonates the weird and wonderful members of his family. His character comedy is sublime and with a few words he has the audience in stitches – whether it’s a 15-year-old who has the sincerity of Sean Bean, or an uncle who pronounces ‘theatre’ like a 1920s radio announcer. These individuals are brought to life in vivid technicolour. He effortlessly evokes the specificity of where he grew up, conjuring a portrait of a place and an era from thin air. He tells us about how he was raised in the shadow of Mapperly Hospital, a mental health institution in Nottingham and unpicks the complexities of that as a neurodiverse individual.

Some of his stuff about ADHD and living in Brighton feels a bit more familiar but Colin’s distinct perspective does give him an edge. The number of jokes crammed into this sixty minute show is astonishingly high, and the audience are laughing non-stop throughout.

VITAMIN D at Soho Theatre

★★★★

“bursts with joy and warmth”

Saher Shah brings her excellent debut play back to London after its 2023 tour. Prepare to laugh, cry, and leave both dazed and dazzled.

Vitamin D explores the cultural taboo of divorce within British Pakistani communities with wit and warmth, and a hefty dose of emotion.

Larki, played by Shah, has returned home to Pinner, after the breakdown of her marriage in Manchester. Now she must deal with nosy neighbourhood aunties (played with pitch perfect comic timing by Zyna Goldy), friends who just want the best for her, and the nervously well-meaning ministrations of her mother (Renu Brindle). Larki doesn’t want to be a solicitor, she wants to be a poet. Also, she wants to be left alone. The second is definitely not going to happen.

The simple story is fleshed out by the strength of the performances. ‘Friend’ played by Anshula Bain is a force to be reckoned with, dominating the stage with epic dance moves, subtle acts of kindness, and gag after gag. Brindle’s performance stole it for me, quietly depicting a mother who wants to help but doesn’t know how.

Melina Namdar’s direction plays with the light and shade of the piece, blasting rap music (sound design by Riwa Saab) one minute and allowing space for quiet, intimate conversations the next. This private sphere of women is brought to life, depicting these familiar and real characters with tenderness and humour.

The slam poetry, which hangs the story together and offers insight into the protagonist’s inner turmoil, is the weakest part of the show. It should provide poignant relief to the high energy interactions, but it feels a little flat, especially in comparison to the strength of Shah’s dialogue, which is masterful.

Maariyah Sharjil’s set is draped with rugs and cushions, with projections of the handwritten notes that Larki scribbles throughout the show. It combines modern and traditional set design in a way which echoes the spirit of the show.

This is a show that feels important, and unusual. It’s discussing a serious and significant topic which needs more awareness, but it also bursts with joy and warmth.

COLIN HOULT: COLIN at the Soho Theatre

★★★★

“a beautifully constructed show, every chaotic choice pays off”

COLIN HOULT: COLIN at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 24th September 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Photography by Ed Moore

Previously reviewed at this venue:

COLIN HOULT

COLIN HOULT

VITAMIN D at Soho Theatre

★★★★

“bursts with joy and warmth”