My English Persian Kitchen is a small but compelling production at Soho Theatre, where the intimacy of the space suits the story perfectly. In this one-woman show, Isabella Nefar guides the audience through the preparation of ash reshteh, a Persian herb and noodle soup, while recounting the life of Atoosa Sepehr, who escaped Iran in 2007 to flee an abusive marriage. The cooking is central to the play, but it is also a vehicle for memory, identity, and the subtle ways trauma shapes everyday life.
Nefar is immediately engaging, her presence soft yet magnetic. She moves between instructing the audience on traditional cooking techniques and recalling the people and places that shaped her story. Through these moments, the audience gains insight not just into her personal journey but also into the rhythms of Iranian life — the family dynamics, the communal value of food, and the ways in which everyday practices carry cultural meaning. The play touches on the modern side of Iran, such as the fact that more women than men now attend university, alongside the harsher realities of gender inequality, including that only men can legally file for divorce. These contrasts give the story a grounded, nuanced perspective, highlighting both social progress and systemic restrictions.
Lighting plays a surprisingly active role in the production. Shifts in intensity and focus mark transitions between past and present, or between the quiet routine of cooking and the emotional weight of recollection. Simple choices — a flickering fridge light, shadows cast across the counter — give the kitchen a dynamic presence, making it feel like more than just a set. The play is confined to this single space, yet the lighting allows it to expand emotionally, drawing attention to moments of vulnerability and reflection.
The script balances humour and cultural insight with moments of stark intensity. Nefar’s physicality is central to this effect, the movements can be slightly unnerving, but they are purposeful, giving the audience a tangible sense of the emotional weight the character carries.
It is Nefar’s warmth that lingers the longest — a combination of casting, performance, and Khalil’s thoughtful script. Even as she recounts the difficult experiences of Atoosa Sepehr, it is her friendliness and the way she candidly shares her journey of settling into the UK that make her feel tangible and real. Despite the heavier elements of the story, this aspect gives the play its emotional core, creating a meaningful connection with the audience. The experience of sharing her story whilst she’s cooking in her kitchen creates an intimacy that remains long after the performance ends.
Until Saturday 25th October at Soho Theatre
Running Time: 1 hour and 10 mins (no interval)
Director: Chris White