Hilariously dramatic mother-daughter comedy, Gelin, heads to Camden Fringe fresh from sold out productions in London and Istanbul
Gelin will play at Young Actors Theatre Islington on 1-2 August 2026, part of Camden Fringe
Gelin transfers to Camden Fringe following sold out London and Istanbul performances. Photo by Cinar Unal
‘Gelin’ (Turkish for Bride) is a charming, hilariously chaotic and honest reimagining of a Turkish classic into a contemporary London setting. The fanciful schemes and competitive meddling of a lively mother and daughter duo take centrestage in this tender and playful comedy about modern gender roles and family dynamics. Gelin returns to London this summer following performances at Canal Café Theatre and Salon IKSV (Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts).
Led by international producer and actor Duru Agirbas, the all-female creative team offers a fresh take on arranged marriages by adapting İbrahim Şinasi’s 1859 ironic play, Şair Evlenmesi’ (‘The Wedding of a Poet’). Their intervention starts from the perspective of the bride, giving voice to centuries of women through this previously unheard female character. Gelin updates the setting to a contemporary Turkish household in London, bridging both cultures and offering new perspectives on generational clashes, matchmaking customs, family expectations and female friendships. The script reframes the timeless story with today’s pop culture, humour and digital-first relationships.
When her overbearing mother arranges a marriage she doesn’t want, Aylin sends her best friend in her place – only for it to backfire when her future husband falls for the imposter. Gelin asks whether a woman can be the ‘mükemmel gelin’ – the perfect bride – without lying about herself to make everyone happy.
London-based Turkish actor, director and creative producer Duru Agirbas co-produces and performs in Gelin, leading a team of emerging theatremakers from Turkey, UK, Portugal, Brazil and China. Exploring the pressures on women across generations, Agirbas continues to develop the play in collaboration with emerging writer Estelle Warner and director Erica Rosa Lima.
The London cast returns for the summer run, with Gunes Soysal playing the protagonist Aylin, Elif Gulalp in the role of Aylin’s British best friend Yaz, Duru Agirbas as Aylin’s overbearing mother Sevim, and Pedro Millan Duke as the prospective groom Emre.
Co-producer and performer Duru Agirbas says: “We are excited to keep evolving Gelin and to invite more audiences to be part of this dual experience. By reflecting both Turkish and London culture, we create a dialogue between identities and challenge traditional narratives of how women of certain ages are still expected to behave and believe. Despite different cultural contexts, in both London and Istanbul I have seen a strong appetite for the comedy in the show. It’s a powerful way to connect the generations over cultural differences and shared human experiences. We wanted to take Gelin to Camden Fringe because it champions new and experimental theatre, making it an ideal platform for our cross-cultural production.” Gelin co-produced by actor and artist Duru Agirbas.
Photograph by Cinar Unal
Şair Evlenmesi is widely considered to be the first Western-style Turkish play. It was published in a time of modernisation during the Ottoman Empire but never performed during the playwright’s lifetime due to fear of religious, political or public response. Gelin blends Turkish and British theatrical traditions, channelling the original play’s rebellious edge combined with humour. Further influences include Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s ‘Fleabag’, and the Turkish tragic comedy play ‘You Are More Beautiful Than İstanbul’ which is told by women from three generations.
Creative Team Director: Erica Rosa Lima Assistant Directors: Christy Cheung and Nejla Yasar Writer: Estelle Warner Co-producers: Duru Agirbas and Nejla Yasar Set Designer: Mingchi Yan Costume Designer: Zeynep Agirbas
Performers
Gunes Soysal: Aylin
Elif Gulalp: Yaz
Duru Agirbas: Sevim
Pedro Millan Duke: Emre
Listings
Venue: Young Actors Theatre Islington
Dates and times: Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 7pm
Press performance: Saturday 1 August, 7pm
Age guidance: Recommended for ages 14+ (Adult Content)
Running time: Approx 60 mins
Prices: £15, £10 concessions
Booking link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/?&venue=215
Social media: @Gelin_Play @TheCamdenFringe @YATIslington
