Authentically Arab and wonderfully Wigan, Habibti Driver, which is playing at Bolton's Octagon Theatre until May 7, tells a story which will resonate with anyone from an immigrant background while offering others a window into the lives of many in modern-day Britain.
Ashraf, a loud, eccentric and stern character, is a taxi driver in Wigan who affectionately calls his daughter Shazia habibti – my darling in Arabic. To everyone else though, the character played, co-written by and based on the mixed-race Shamia Chalabi, she is Shaz.
Born to parents of different - but equally strong - cultures, the British-born child of an immigrant father may have foreign roots, but naturally feels most at home where she grew up. Strict rules and expectations can push people away – but she reconnects regardless.
READ MORE: Review: The Addams Family Musical at Manchester Opera House
Shaz finds herself navigating adult life as a half Egyptian, half English Northerner with a weedy Wiganer who she wants to wed. But her difficult dad - whose own married life takes a twist - asserts his supposed authority, feeling pressure from the people around him.
Drinking, dating and dressing in certain ways all contribute to a clash in cultures, but marrying a non-Muslim is a step too far – at least for Ashraf who is regularly reminded by his brother and boss Yusuf that the watchful community will judge him for his daughter's decisions. A product of his upbringing, Ashraf harbours views about women which are inconsistent with the traits of those in his life.
His god-fearing hijabi bride who arrives in Wigan is sheltered from his 'heathen' daughter's lifestyle at first. But sassy and instantly lovable Yasmin's pragmatism and independent mind is exposed as her English improves, helping her find common ground with Shaz.
Meanwhile, his ex-wife Jean - who is Wigan born and bred - remains a forceful figure in his life, helping her bond with Yasmin too. In the end, Ashraf is left with a simple choice between keeping up appearances or endorsing his daughter making up her own mind.
Habibiti Driver, directed by Australian-Iranian Sepy Baghaei and co-written by Sarah Henley, is a lesson on the complexity of immigrant communities. Perhaps perceived as homogeneous, these people have nuanced personalities – and a mix of cultures produces priceless idiosyncrasies.
Expect endless nods to Wigan - from place names to pie shops with Boxing Day dress-up in between - and Arabic tics too. Lots of laughs are had at the foreign-born character's failed attempts at English idioms, as well as the odd ignorant faux-pas from Wiganers.
An unapologetically camp comedy with plenty of personality, Habibti Driver is playful but provides profundity in its plot.
