Adapted from his own 1985 screenplay, Hanif Kureishi’s ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ is once again presented on stage in theatres across the UK.

It’s London in the Thatcher years and here we are told the story of young British Pakistani, Omar, who is tasked with transforming his Uncle’s run-down laundrette into the crown jewel of the family’s business empire. A strong fascist presence causes unease in Omar’s community as they continue their reign of confrontation. It’s here that Omar recognises Johnny, from his school years, and an unlikely friendship develops into something more.

The show’s intrinsic themes of cultural conflict, gender equality, class and generational strife lay down the backdrop for this LGBTQ+ love story and, whilst this may seem like all the ingredients needed for powerful, emotive theatre, it just isn’t the case here. Believe me when I say that I wanted so much to enjoy this play. However, an overstuffed narrative diminishes all chance of a well-developed story arc, often resulting in a confused audience- desperately sifting through the jigsaw pieces of information that have been presented to them- trying their best to make them fit in some way, shape or form.

Character development suffers here, too. Under the direction of Nicole Behan, the eight-strong cast muddle through clunky dialogue and inert sound design whilst doing their utmost to wash a little life into the material they have been tasked with. (Even music by pop-synth sensations, Pet Shop Boys was somehow under yet over-utilised.)

Emma Bown’s multi-rolling proves to be one of the show’s highlights as she seamlessly chops and changes between bit on the side, Rachel, and far-right skinhead, Moose. As Johnny, Sam Mitchell wins over the audience with a well-conceived portrayal of a young person who finds themselves lost and exploited in a system unwilling to yield. Lucca Chadwick-Patel’s conflicted yet, ultimately, endearing portrayal of Omar pairs well with Mitchell and their on-stage chemistry is undeniable. Where some of the cast scrub up well, others are sadly hung out to dry with monotone deliveries that never quite make it past the pre-wash.

Whilst this may have left a soapy taste in my mouth, the design elements of the production gleamed brilliantly against their dull counterparts. Complimented by Ben Cracknell’s neon-laden, ‘Top of the Pops’-esque Lighting Design, Set Design by Grace Smart leans into the Brutalist architecture that dominated post-war, twentieth century Britain. This smart move provides the perfect, muted backdrop for the set pieces and added further dimensions and texture to the overall portrayal of the settings.

In what could have been a theatrical experience that left the audience reeling, this production just didn’t live up to the bar set by its film predecessor. Sadly, even a bubble machine couldn’t stop this one from feeling like a rogue, damp sock found the day after the wash.

My Beautiful Laundrette plays at The Lowry until 23rd March. Further details and booking can be found here.

Gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Photography taken at The Curve, Leicester.