This was my first visit to the Soho theatre and I was really impressed with the atmosphere and ambience. Tonight’s play was to be performed in the upstairs theatre which, although small doesn’t feel at all cramped and has a really quite decadent air.
Chef is a one woman, one act play and centres around a character who has experienced some of the worse things life has to offer. Passionate about creative food, Jade Anouka as Chef is absolutely sensational as the plain talking and yet sensitive culinary artist. Maintaining pace and connection for the entire uninterrupted fifty minutes Anouka perfectly personified this proud and wounded woman, whose destiny has never seemingly been of her own making.
The play was written by Sabrina Mahfouz after workshops with ex-inmates of women’s prisons and an interview with Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous. This thorough research paved the way for a beautifully written play often with a Shakespearian style poetry within the dialogue. Wholly authentic with some charming comedy but also a huge amount of painful realism.
It’s so refreshing to see to see a production that truthfully reflects an aspect of our society so often caricatured.
Reviewed by Nicky Sweetland
Photo by Richard Davenport
Chef is playing at the Soho Theatre until 4 July 2015. Click here for more information and to book tickets
