Authentically Arab and wonderfully Wigan, Habibti Driver, which is playing at Bolton's Octagon Theatre until May 7, tells a story which will resonate with anyone from an immigrant background while offering others a window into the lives of many in modern-day Britain.
Ashraf, a loud, eccentric and stern character, is a taxi driver in Wigan who affectionately calls his daughter Shazia habibti – my darling in Arabic. To everyone else though, the character played, co-written by and based on the mixed-race Shamia Chalabi, she is Shaz.
Born to parents of different - but equally strong - cultures, the British-born child of an immigrant father may have foreign roots, but naturally feels most at home where she grew up. Strict rules and expectations can push people away – but she reconnects regardless.
