Writer: Shahid Iqbal Khan
Director: Samir Bhamra
Shahid Iqbal Khan’s Olivier Award-nominated play 10 Nights returns to delight London audiences once again. Continuing in the hands of Phizzical Productions, the entertaining monologue piece can currently be seen at Riverside Studios before hitting the road for its second UK tour.
Exploring key themes of faith and friendship, 10 Nights sees its protagonist Yasser choose to take part in itikaf: sleeping and fasting in the mosque for the last ten nights of Ramadan. This decision initially seems impulsive, as Yasser hopes to disprove those who criticise his inconsistent relationship with Islam. However, he has more to prove – and a lot more to learn – than first meets the eye.
Having trimmed excess material (and performers) since the piece’s initial outing in 2021, Khan’s script is tight, engaging, and makes for a swift 80-minute experience. Yasser’s bitter impressions of his smug peers provide excellent world-building and also paint him as the underdog of his tale. This conveniently provides an entry point for viewers less familiar with the religious tradition, as the audience joins Yasser in brushing up on his knowledge.
Below Yasser’s superficial layer of bravado, Adeel Ali is a sensitive, likeable and charming performer who has a lot of fun with Khan’s writing. His chatty, playful delivery is very easy to watch and this endearing energy comfortably carries the solo piece without it ever dragging. Admittedly, Ali’s quick-paced style of performing means that he occasionally speeds through a punchline or dramatic beat which could have been afforded a little more weight. This, however, lessens as he settles further into the storytelling.
In his strongest moments, Ali demonstrates natural comic ability, navigating Khan’s dry observations and witty asides with nuance and skill. He clearly knows how to work an audience with a well-timed quip or cheeky knowing glance. In Yasser’s most vulnerable state, when his shortcomings are laid bare, Ali also pulls out the stops to offer a committed, touching display of anguished regret.
The production’s design elements are a combination of both physical and digital efforts, with mixed results. An intricately detailed stage design, complete with a functioning wash-area and half-walls around the perimeter, impresses in its representation of a mosque interior. Simron Sabri’s simple costume design is also a success, contrasting the modest tones of Yasser’s religious attire with a colourful tracksuit initially.
Less effective are the projections that also adorn the back wall throughout, though the captions in both English and Arabic are a credit. Rudi Okasili-Henry’s digital contributions complement the storytelling best when they are minimalist, showing a moon cycle with the time and day number. Animated depictions of settings such as Yasser’s bedroom and the mosque exterior, however, are quite jarring in contrast to the infinitely more attractive physical set design.
10 Nights is a compelling piece of writing from Khan which deserves its newest revival. Its message of balance and self-forgiveness, in relation to marrying cultural tradition with a contemporary lifestyle, is beautiful and timeless.
Runs until 26 January 2025
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