From the outset, Sachi Kimura wrong-foots the audience by asking them to mill around on-stage; they’re immediately captivated and ready to hear the story of a Tokyo-girl in London, a composite tale built from several real migrants’ stories. Sachi is a solid brick of goodwill, and immensely likeable. Her affected accent is occasionally faulty, but the rough English is vital to the character and she rapidly improves. There are so many tiny things executed well, including an extended metaphor where she – as a hermit crab – is stuck between two shells. The show is most poignant in its depiction of the harsh hypocrisy of immigration: “I am more Japanese here, but I must also be more British than the British”.
Underbelly, 4 – 27 Aug (not 15), 6.45pm (7.40pm) £8.50 – £10.50, fpp253.
tw rating 4/5
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Sections: by Gavin Leech - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 4/5 | Tags: Flying Eye, Underbelly
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