Full English (CAST Doncaster)

•  Natalie Davies, 31/05/22

Seeing plays in Cast’s second space is one of the best ways to spend an evening. This particular evening, Bradford had just been announced as the City of Culture for 2025, so Natalie Davies’ story of growing up in the multi-cultural hotspot seemed very fitting.

The stage was split between the story of Natalie and her grandma Catherine. Natalie had a microphone on a stand, projecting an insightful, punchy tale of growing up with Pakistani, Bangladesh and white British heritage. The other half of the stage belongs to her Cath. The actress is young, but plays her at all stages: teenager courting, new bride, deserted mother and a dementia patient in a care home.

The story starts at the outskirts of Bradford in the 60s as Cath meets and falls for Sahil, a Pakistani boy. They spend their Sunday nights at the markets and the cinemas of the city and she is seduced by the culture, colour and ultimate acceptance of the place. Sahil's character provides some comedic relief with his naivety and devotion. They have children, marry in their flat's living room without family approval and their story of love and desertion unravels. 

Whilst the piece is funny and warm, it speaks of the bitter hatred and judgement faced by Cathy, her husband and the city on a whole. Natalie delivers a moving but devastating monologue of her own experience of the race riots as a pre-teen- choosing the white side as she was crushed by pressure and just wanted to be safe. Images are projected on the screen behind; a full english breakfast decorated with jubilee memorabilia stands poignant as the backdrop for the characters' struggles with poverty, violence and eviction.

The cosy, homely set up is interjected by sharp, witty dialogue and the two elements juxtapose to paint the picture of growing up mixed race and female in working class Yorkshire. We watch grandma Cath to be a powerhouse of love and value; she doesn’t back down in the face of antagonism, betrayal and heartbreak. There are lessons to be learnt from her today as we watch how cultures clash against British classism: how resilience is paramount.

I felt nurtured by the story and moved by the performances. It is a touring production so catch it if you can.