Writer: Karim Khan
Director: Adam Karim
The Old Fire Station has, in recent years, built a growing reputation commissioning new plays for the festive season that bring fresh perspectives and voices to examine what can be both a joyous and difficult time of the year for many in our communities.
Before the Millennium is the latest addition to the list, a play by successful local author Karim Khan. Set in the final few weeks of 1999, it is the story of Zoya and Iqra, two Pakistani migrants working in the Oxford Cowley branch of Woolworths. At the store Christmas party, they meet Faiza, a seasonal worker who is joining the team. The play is an examination of their friendship and experiences as migrants in the UK, as well as the impact that meeting a stranger can have on them all.
The arrival of strangers has long been a part of Christmas stories – most notably the three ghosts in A Christmas Carol – and whilst Faiza does not exactly fit the mould of those figures, her presence does place the play very much within that storytelling tradition. To say more would be to give away too much.
There is much to admire in the writing. The three characters emerge as clearly defined individuals with contrasting motivations, fears and ambitions. There is a fluidity to the dialogue that is engaging throughout. And placing three women from Pakistan at the heart of the narrative is a powerful statement about giving underrepresented voices a home in contemporary British theatre.
To discuss the key element of the play that does not fully succeed would be to spoil a central plot point. Some audiences may not be troubled by this part of the narrative, but others may be less convinced that it is wholly earned. It is certainly something that will provoke lively debate on the way home from the theatre.
The play could, perhaps, work better presented in a slightly shorter form without an interval. Coming in at a little over two hours, it feels slightly overextended, and whilst the final scene of the first half is a natural breakpoint, the piece could still flow effectively without the pause.
Director Adam Karim keeps the action moving and draws out strong performances from all three actors. Gurjot Dhaliwal, Prabhleen Oberoi and Hannah Khalique-Brown each bring a clear sense of identity and individuality to their roles. They give voice to hopes, fears and experiences that are rarely heard on our stages, and their commitment to this is, arguably, the greatest strength of the production.
Playing in the round does bring challenges, particularly concerning ensuring maximum visibility for all parts of the auditorium. Whilst, overall, this is achieved, there are still too many moments when a key actor is static with their back to large sections of the audience. A few minor adjustments to stage placement will hopefully be made to ensure a fuller connection between cast and audience.
Overall, this is a piece of theatre that deserves to be seen and enjoyed beyond this initial run in Oxford. These women and their story need to be enjoyed by audiences in towns and cities up and down the United Kingdom. It is not perfect, but it has much to say about female friendship and family ties that will resonate beyond this premiere production. And whilst it is set at Christmas, it is not so tied to the festive season that it cannot be staged throughout the year.
It is absolutely another feather in the cap of the team at the Old Fire Station. Their commitment to bringing fresh voices to the fore is to be applauded and cherished.
Runs until 21 December 2025
