MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE
The mixed race cast work as a fine ensemble, changing scenes and making use of dance and mine to mark the transitions. Excellent use is made of screen projection to high-light the gang and permanent bubbles in the laundrette. Andy Graham has skilfully directed this small cast within a simple set, which gives bite to the complexity of the story and the plot. There are some fine performances. Rachel the mistress is very well portrayed by Kiki Kendrick, as a slinky feline temptress, impatient to have sex across the office desk.
Fanny Adams, The Prompt, Spring 2002
Multi media effects are the curse of so many productions, yet director Andy Graham manages to use film projections subtly and stylishly to bring out the different layers of Kureishi's story. The gay sex scenes provoke nervous giggles from teenagers in the audience, but they are more poetically portrayed than the pogo-stick bounciness of the romps between Omar's uncle and his mistress. Despite the contrast, both partnerships are rooted in an emotionally sincerity that provides the plays centre of gravity.
Rachel Halliburton, Evening Standard, Feb 14, 2002
GLORIOUS DIVERSITY
Andy Graham directs a talented cast and imaginatively uses video projection. The play celebrates the diversity of life. Omar is sent to work in his uncle's garage where he witnesses a raunchy sex scene between uncle Nasser and his mistress, Kiki Kendrick. This is a spirited, energetic production from the acclaimed Snap Theatre Company.
Robin Strapp, Newbury Weekly News, April 4, 2002
LOVE, HATE AND RACE IN BLAIR'S BRITAIN
Audiences lucky enough to have seen Snap Theatre Company's production of My Beautiful Laundrette at Trinity last week were treated to a witty, sexy and very entertaining adaptation of Hanif Kureishi's screenplay.
Extra Leisure, Feb 2002
RACIAL AND CULTURAL TENSIONS GET A GOOD AIRING
The virtual strip cartoon style adopted in Snap Theatre's fast and funny production works very well indeed, particularly when coloured in by the imaginative back projection techniques. Wash and Go!
David Upton, Lancashire Evening News, April 24, 2002
MODERN SLANT HAS APPEAL
This particular production was both energetic and ambitious, yet despite the frequent quips and occasional use of video, it still somehow managed to retain the very essence of what Kureishi was exploring in his original screenplay. I believe this modern production will appeal to all.
DIRTY LINEN PROVES RECIPE FOR GREAT SHOW
An excellent multi-functional set, great choreography and moody lighting allowed this play to flow, with rhythm and movement being extended to set and prop changes, with cast members dancing on and off stage while carrying chairs and desks. I found this touch amusing, but it certainly worked for this production. A thoroughly entertaining production.
Sara Garwood
It's great to see a small company combine breadth of vision and rough and ready energy to create the kind of evening that has a strong appeal to the theatre's holy grail: the under 25's.
***
Lyn Gardner, The Guardian, Jan 29, 2002
BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTION
Many of the first night audience whooped with delight at the end of this provocative play. Theatre staff must have been pleased at the diversity of the playgoers this provocative production attracted.
Curtain Call, Hanstaed Gazette, 9 March, 2002
Overall Snap's adaptation is a vibrant, inventive production which provides plenty of food for thought.
Gordon Richardson, Mercury Magazine, Feb 2002
Provocative and Modern
The Entertainer, The Stratford Times, March 1, 2002
Witty play with an Asian Slant
Lowestoft Journal, March 1, 2002
