The Kite Runner at the Nottingham Playhouse Review

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

The stage production of the bestselling novel by the accomplished author Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner, adapted by Matthew Spangler is currently performing at the Nottingham Playhouse. Directed by Giles Croft, the Playhouse’s own Artistic Director, this powerful show opens with the backdrop of San Francisco where the main character Amir played with passion and energy by David Ahmad is presently living as an adult.

The first half runs for 55 minutes and we see Amir the son of a wealthy father, whose mother died in childbirth, flashback to when the epic story starts in the early 1970s in Kabul when he was a boy. The story is cleverly narrated by Ahmad with an adult voice, with the dialogue between him and the other characters spoken as a child.  The set is simple but effective with the presence of the amazing Hanif Khan throughout on stage providing atmosphere and drama with his music.

Spanning around 30 years the tale unfolds as we see Amir, a passive child who enjoys poetry and reading craving the attention of his father, Baba, played brilliantly by Emilio Doorgasingh. Amir receives support from Baba’s friend Rahim Khan, played by Karl Seth, who supports his writing. His best friend is the servant’s son, Hassan (played by Jo Ben Ayed), who has grown up alongside him and defends Amir against neighbourhood bullies in particular the ring leader Assef played by Bhavin Bhalt. Baba clearly loves both the Hassan and Amir but Amir feels threatened in his quest to gain his father’s respect.

The annual kite flying competition offers Amir the chance to impress his father and along with Hassan as his kite runner they succeed in winning the first prize. Hassan runs to collect the kite but on the way he is accosted by the Assef and his gang and is subjected to beatings and rape. Amir, close behind his friend, cowers in the shadows realising the fate that has befallen his friend but is too cowardly to step in runs home wracked with guilt. He now has his father’s pride but is crippled with dread of what he has put Hassam through. As he can now no longer face his guilt he plants expensive gifts and money under Hassan’s mattress and accuses him of theft. In another act of loyalty Hassan and his father leave the family home to the dismay of Baba.

The second act opens as Baba and Amir are driven out of their home and on the run to Pakistan as refugees as Russian troops invade Afghanistan. After losing everything they are eventually given refugee status and start a new life in San Francisco, struggling at times to a make the adjustment to this new way of customs. Amir attends university to study creative writing and Baba works to support the family before falling ill with terminal cancer. Introduced by his father Asif meets fellow refugee Soraya Taheri (played by Amiera Darwish), who has her own secrets, and they fall in love. The pair marry, on the permission of her father based on the family heritage that Amir is from but shortly after Baba dies. The couple are happy but are unable to have children. Amir is summonsed back to Pakistan by Rahim Khan, who also doesn’t have long to live. He reveals long held secrets to Amir putting him in dangerous situations where he has to face his own demons and comes perilously close to losing everything on his journey to rediscover his Muslim roots. The turmoil and twists are dramatic and the acting is amazing as you are drawn into the story, offering an insight into the history of Afghanistan. Having not read the book I was on the edge of my seat about what would happen next! A fantastic show with exquisite performances from everyone involved.

The Nottingham Playhouse is located within walking distance of Nottingham city centre. There is plenty of on street parking available around the theatre for a small charge (free after 8pm). There is a bar and restaurant and refreshments available in the interval.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £10 to £32 (booking fees may apply).

The Kite Runner is at the Nottingham Playhouse from 31 August to 9 September 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 941 9419.

Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus, Nottingham, NG1 5AF | 0115 941 9419