Auntie’s House
King’s Head Theatre
3rd to 9th April, 2023
“A British Muslim woman, Tamina, is upset at the abuse suffered by the gay community and so opens up her front parlour as a safe space. Not everyone agrees with her decision, especially when it’s revealed her reasons for helping hit close to home.
Based on true historical events, Auntie’s House celebrates a heart-warming story of compassion and love amongst London’s minority communities, reflecting issues which are still relevant today.
Auntie’s House is the second play from writer Paul Stone, who continues to bring to life positive stories from LGBTQ history.”
Review by Richard Lambert
A Muslim woman working as a healthcare professional in a pharmacy becomes aware that gay men are victimised. She offers a safe space in her home every Saturday night. Interestingly she opens a tin for money donations and offers tea.
This arrangement facilitates the platform for a variety of characters “coming and going”, noticed by the neighbours, who gossip. Her pious sister hears the gossip and “wants a word”. Her son, Imran tags along, meets the men, and is caught getting a little touchey feeley with Sam. This upsets the family plans.
The set is simple and effective. There is no doubt we’re in Auntie’s front room. An old radio plays a selection of music and there is a little dancing in the corner from a couple sweetly unaware of much of what’s unfolding.
The treatment of the book here doesn’t delve too deeply. With a lot of one-liners and comedic characterisations the poignancy comes from within the observers’ thoughts more so than from the on-stage drama.
An important story, based on real events, showing that a hand that reaching out to support gay men in the 50s and 60s was from a Muslim woman. Risking her reputation within her own community she selflessly opened the door to create a safe space.
CAST & CREATIVES
Tamina | RUCHIKA JAIN
Ruchika has appeared in 14 feature films and 28 short films, as well as several TV programmes including The Sandman and Count Abdulla. She has appeared in music videos and TV commercials, playing both dramatic and comedy roles.
Imran | DEVEN MODHA
After graduating from the Birmingham School of Acting, Deven was cast in many stage productions, which led to him working with director Sir Trevor Nunn in his stage adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as appearing in the Northern Stage’s performance of East Is East. He has appeared on TV with roles in Citizen Khan, Top Boy and Doctors.
Peter | IAN KAY
Ian recently appeared as Small Dave in the feature film Butterfly, as well as appearing in short films and stage plays. Ian also works as a continuity announcer for BBC Three.
Neil | JOHN RAYMENT
Having appeared in Dr Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Inside Out for the BBC, John also appeared in radio adaptations of Dr Who spin off series Rose Tyler: The Dimension and Emissary of the Daleks. He has worked on feature films and short films, as well as having had extensive work as a voice over artist and providing the voices for PC games.
Bibi MIRIAM BABOORAM
Miriam has extensive experience as an actress, having played a diverse range of roles on both stage and screen, appearing in both feature films and short films, as well as TV commercials and as Hungry McBear on BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.
Sam | SEB BARRETT
Seb moved to London from The Peak District in Derbyshire to study drama at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. He has gone on to play lead roles in two short films and been involved with Immersive Halloween Experiences.
Writer & Director | PAUL STONE
Paul Stone is an accomplished actor, writer and director with the ability to spot interesting historical stories connected to the LGBTQI community. Bringing stories to life through dedication, determination and research, Paul creates fascinating characters and dramatic storylines that both entertain and inform audiences. His previous play, For Queen and Country, was based on the remarkable true story of West End actor turned Drag Queen spy, Sir Denis Rake MC, which he discovered while filming BBC2’s Secret Agent Selection: WW2. Paul created a one man show based on the facts he gathered and the play was a hit with audiences at The King’s Head in November 2021, and when Paul and actor Neil Somerville took the production on a UK tour and then to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022.
Auntie’s House by Paul Stone is part of the Sight Unseen season ticket offer.
Visitors receive a 10% discount when buying tickets to see two shows, or 20% discount when buying tickets to see three or more shows. This offer only applies to full price tickets and not £10 discounted tickets.
SHOW DETAILS
Auntie’s House
The King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, London N1 1QN
3 – 9 April 2023
7pm
60 mins approx
Age: 14+
Tickets: £18.50 – £25.50 (£10 concessions)
Ticket bookings: on sale via boxoffice@kingsheadtheatre.com / 0207 226 8561
Website address: www.kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/aunties-house