For all the divisions between the Israelis and Palestinians, food is not one of them: the same dishes are made and enjoyed by Jews, Muslims and Christians. This is the basis of Robin Soans's latest verbatim play, drawn from conversations with inhabitants of Israel/Palestine and The West Bank.
Eight actors skilfully morph into the 40-odd characters depicted here, ranging from a Greek Orthodox Arab man to a gay couple in Tel Aviv. The mix is intoxicating, as are the recipes described and, in some cases, carried out in one of the two kitchens on Rachel Blues's well thought-out stage.
Sheila Hancock is especially good. Her Delia Smith-like character makes a full meal on stage and is, like her husband, too scared to go out and enjoy their retirement.
Inevitably, food also reflects politics. An obnoxious Upper East Side Jewish woman boasts about how 'totally cosmopolitan' Israeli food is, while a houmous maker rages that his custom is shrinking as more and more Palestinian villages are cut off. A last-minute supermarket run for an evening meal leads to one woman being caught in a bomb blast.
The bigger picture of the terrible situation in this region is alluded to - often with bewilderment - but the overriding feeling captured here is of people trying to get by.
As such, The Arab-Israeli Cookbook may not throw much light on the passion-inducing political problems, but there is a warmth here that will win you over.
Until Jul 10, Gate Theatre, 11 Pembridge Road W11, Mon to Sat 7.30pm, Sun Jun 20 and 27 6pm, £14, £7 Sun and concs (tonight limited availability). Tel: 020 7229 5387. www.gatetheatre.co.uk Tube: Notting Hill Gate
The Arab-Israeli Cookbook
