Chef is on fire!

By Amy Stow

Sabrina Mahfouz's Fringe First Award-winning play, Chef, has received much attention and recommendation this year at the fringe. So it was with high expectation that I took my seat, awaiting the magical transportation that can only occur through fantastic theatre. And it appears I was not to be disappointed, for the next 50 minutes I was no longer myself, in a darkened room on a rainy afternoon in Edinburgh.

The enraptured audience sat open-mouthed as they took in actress Jade Anouka’s retelling of one woman’s life, her skewed upbringing, her existence in the UK prison system, and a love of haute cuisine that remained throughout. Part monologue, part poetry, Anouka rhapsodises her way through Mahfouz's beautifully penned text, energetically drawing the audience in, inviting them to peek into her world, and sadly smiling as they recoil from what lies within.

Based on true events, Mahfouz cleverly blurs the lines between justice, forgiveness, love and hate, and Anouka is perfectly cast to relay this story. Her cheekiness is as infectious as her pain is deep, and it is difficult not to fall in love with her character.

A simple, sparse set, eerie lighting shifts, and an actress with a gift for looking deep into the soul of her audience tops off what is probably my favourite show at the fringe so far.

★★★★★ Totally #UNBORING

Underbelly Cowgate

18:10 (50 min)

Aug 10th-17th

#cheftheplay

@POPpoets

#reviews