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Who are the people
in your neighbourhood? In a post 9/11 world with terrorists supposedly hidden
in our midst, a new type of 'stranger danger' has captured the Western imagination.
The People Next Door explores our current paranoia about those we do not
know and, with great humour, shows us why we should not assume the worst of the
strangers around us. Nigel
Brunswick is the lazy, druggy hero of the play who, for all his flaws, is a very
good neighbour. He is utterly ignorant about the 'war on terror' but the global
problem becomes his local hassle as a bully-boy policeman named Phil knocks on
his door and demands his help in tracking down the long-lost half brother Karim.
Karim is the polite Muslim boy-turned bomb expert and Nigel is suprised to find
himself helping the law.
Nigel has to be one of the great comic creations
of modern theatre - a 'Blackistani', Ali G-type bloke but hundred-fold funnier.
He wants to be a 'gangsta' but is politely spoken and considerate to his elderly
neighbour, Mrs McCallum. He is ignorant and stupid, but has remarkable moral insights
beyond the others. Most of all, he is endearing to the audience - like a lovable
Sesame Street puppet who melts your cynicism.
Nigel is also a confused
character - he does not know who he is. He discovered he was half-Pakistani at
the age of fourteen and has never been sure about his roots since then. Like many
young people, he wants to be someone else, with a different exotic identity. When
he begins to enjoy going to the mosque, he becomes more at ease with himself and
through that, is less afraid of others.
The genius of the play, like all
great comedies, is that it is totally in tune with today's anxieties and preoccupations.
Like all great comedies, it does not shy away from making fun of serious events
and issues. Truly, there were moments when you thought 'they could never get away
with this on the Beeb' but nothing on the Beeb makes me laugh as much as this
show did.
The script is very special but the acting is outstanding and
brings it to life. A particular mention should be made for Fraser Ayres, playing
Nigel, who has perfect comic timing and added many subtle touches.
Till 4 October
Transferred
from the Edinburgh Fringe - see review.
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