Sweetmeats

The production of Karim Khan's Sweetmeats currently showing at the Bush Theatre, is a heartfelt piece which successfully balances romance at an older age with both grief and the management of diabetes. A condition estimated to affect over 420,000 people from a South Asian background in England.

Sweetmeats follows the story of Hema (Shobu Kapoor), a critical and witty widow making a concerted effort to manage her diabetes through attending a type 2 diabetes course. Till fellow widower, the confection-indulgent Liaquat (Rehan Sheikh), shows up to tempt her with sweet treats and his charm.

Directed by Natasha Kathi-Chandra, what we see before the interval sets the scene for the history of Hema and Liaquat and their initial encounters. The early scenes find easy laughs in their misunderstandings and mismatched approach to managing their health. There’s an organic quality to the way the connection develops between the two elders. However, at 150 minutes (including interval) the narrative occasionally circles familiar beats, and the chemistry, although charming, doesn’t consistently hold the stage with equal intensity.

In contrast, the second half of the production better finds its footing. A sweet moment of cooking together and the sharing of Hema’s recipe gives way to vulnerability, and the performances take on greater nuance. As the romance begins to deepen, the emotional resonance follows. By the end, the audience are not just entertained; they are actively rooting for the pair, fully invested in the possibility of their happiness.

The heart of the play lies in the dynamic between its two leads, a relationship crafted with a light, humorous touch that makes them enjoyable to watch and easy to root for. Kapoor is engaging and quick-witted, with the loving charm of a nurturing immigrant mother. Sheikh is endearing in his portrayal of Liaquat and does a brilliant job of portraying the depth of his character.

It all unfolds on Aldo Vazquez’s impressively distinctive set, which allows for smooth transitions of scenes and events on a reasonably intimate stage. The production is further enriched by the thoughtfully chosen music that enhances the authenticity of the story.

Overall, this is a culturally relevant, tender, and sincere story, thoughtfully brought to life and well worth seeing.