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On the evidence of self-penned and performed The Diary of a Hounslow Girl, which played out at The Unity Theatre last night, Ambreen Razia has an extremely bright future indeed. Packed with wit, charm, pathos, empathy inducing observational integrity and wry humour, here is a play that deserves to noted at the highest levels of theatre, with Sophie Monaram’s direction also being more than worthy of note.
The central character is Shaheeda, a 16 year old British born Muslim girl, trapped between the conventions and traditions of her faith and the desire to be her own woman and therefore escape not only Housnlow itself, but also those imposed expectations. All of Razia’s experience of growing up with and working alongside such girls, sparkles throughout every second of the play – and throughout her script – so that what transpires is nothing short of being a rainbow of colour to light up the at times gloomy horizon.
But it is her focus and delivery and energy that rages forth from the opening. The switches in character – ranging from Shaheeda’s mother, uncle, sister, friends and boyfriend all without missing a beat – may well be too much in the hands of someone less skilled. There are also the interspersed segments whereby Shaheeda emotions are stripped bare through the of leaving messages on her mobile and the outstanding pace she manages to inject is simply mesmerising, is a lesson to us all all.
This is clearly a labour of love and that love shines bright throughout.
Yes there are one or two faults – perhaps 15 minutes could be shaved off and maybe a being a little less frenetic at times will help Shaheeda become even more accessible – but overall The Diary of a Hounslow Girl is a little time capsule of nigh on consummate theatre that should be a benchmark for all new writing talent.
The Diary of a Hounslow Girl
The Unity Theatre, Liverpool
June 16, 2016
Written & performed by Ambreen Razia
Director: Sophie Monaram
Producer: Black Theatre Live
Running Time: 90 Minutes
PR Rating: **** Astute, Funny and Clever