My English Persian Kitchen

What would you take if you were forced to leave home with no hope of returning? How would you make a fresh start somewhere completely new? This is the true story of one woman who loses everything.

Remembering the tastes and aromas of her mother’s kitchen with live cooking on stage, she recreates the dishes of her childhood and homeland, building a new life and community around food.


Written by award-winning Hannah Khalil, directed by Chris White and starring Isabella Nefar (Salome, National Theatre) this life-affirming new play chronicles the journey of one woman’s quest to start again.

My English Persian Kitchen is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

Production supported by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at The University of Edinburgh.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Reviews

★★★★★ ‘Masterfully staged’ – Entertainment Now

★★★★★ ‘Graphic. Gripping. Emotional. Inspiring.' – Scots Gay Arts

★★★★★ ‘Utterly sensational’ – The Quinntessential Review

★★★★★ ‘Graphic. Gripping. Emotional. Inspiring.' – Scots Gay Arts

★★★★‘A thoroughly flavourful feast of a play’ – The Guardian

★★★★ ‘Gripping and dynamic’ – The Observer

★★★★ ‘Warm, vibrant’ – WhatsOnStage

★★★★ ‘Effective’ – North West End

★★★★ ‘Tremendously inventive’ – All Edinburgh Theatre

★★★★ ‘A tasty treat’ – The List

★★★★ ‘Brilliantly designed’ – Corr Blimey

★★★★‘Nefar is an engaging storyteller’ – Bouquets and Brickbats

★★★★ 'Nefar is a delightfully charismatic MasterChef' – Edinburgh Guide

★★★★ ‘Performed with passion, sensitivity and humour’ – Broadway Baby

★★★★‘Seamlessly blending cooking and storytelling’ – The Student News

'A tremendous story, accompanied by the huge sensory richness and ritual of a Persian kitchen in action’ – The Scotsman

‘Emotionally potent’ – The Stage

'A powerful moment of tension’ – Fest

‘Finding community through food’ – Across The Arts

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.