High Street is a striking fringe production, proving that it is indeed possible to make an impact without a large venue or special effects – just a little courage, some sincerity, and a lot of heart. Giving the feeling of being part of stories that most storytellers ignore. Nida Vohra is a writer who will begin to be talked about; her voice is evident. Together with two good leading actors, she delivers British stories that are generally overlooked. High Street serves as a reminder that new theatre, particularly of small beginnings, has the power to change the way we see and understand one another.
I had arrived expecting something simple, even a bit obvious: a fringe performance above a pub, dealing with the issues of immigration and homelessness, ‘message’ theatre where you sit back, nod along and feel as if you have been educated. Quite the opposite of what I experienced. The show instead came across as remarkably honest – careful, unfiltered, messy human moments that did not seem forced.
What persuaded me was the intensity yet quietness of the show. There are no grand scenes, no dramatic speeches, no one trying to make you cry with extravagant delivery. Simply there is awareness of how difficult ordinary life can be, of just how heavy the invisible burdens that people carry are. I keep coming back to the moment when Terri loses her guard. For that instant, the whole room held its breath. That silence was there, the audience felt it, as if something genuine had fallen between them and the stage.
Sanjay Batra’s role of Malik manages to discover a sliver of hope in a man who may appear to have been broken by life, but who has never been broken. The restlessness he shows is genuine, resembling the one that keeps you up at night but also keeps you alive. I could see that brief glimpse in his eyes, indicating that he is not done. Emma Stannard’s performance as Terri is notable in a more subtle way, she does not ask for sympathy. Her quick wit has sharp edges, and, on some occasions, it is what keeps her standing; on others it acts as a shield. When they speak one feels that there are a real history and trust between them.
After I had left and returned to Penge West the play remained. It was as if, all at once the closed down high street, the bright cafes, and even the quiet people sitting on the benches seemed different – as if I had been tuned in to them. Very few plays have the effect of making the outside world feel sharper, but High Street does just that. It does not just present you with something new but gently changes the way you see everything afterwards.
Reviewer: Mary Lee Wallin
Reviewed: 19th September 2026
Theatre Muse UK Rating: ★★★★
