Local curry house manager to star in The Chef Show for one night only

Written by Keighley-born playwright, Nick Ahad, the comedy was inspired by Nick's experience of working in his father's Bangladeshi restaurant and take away, and tells the tale of a father and son who have very different ideas on how to run the family business.

Actors Kamal Kaan and Rohit Gokani play all the characters on the national tour with their comic tales inspired by interviews with restaurant workers.

They will be joined by Akeel Ahmed, manager of Lala's restaurant, Batley, for a one night only performance at Hanging Heaton Cricket Club on Wednesday June 19.

The 40-year-old father-of-three has a wealth of experience and will cook up some tasty treats while talking about life at Lala's.

“I don’t feel nervous as such, but some of my friends are coming to see the play, so that will be interesting," said Akeel.

“I have got to know a lot of our customers from this area through the restaurant, so it would be great to see some of them at the performance.”

Said Nick, who has previously written for the Yorkshire-based soap, Emmerdale: “This might be the first time the audience from the Dewsbury and Batley area have heard the story of the person who makes the food in their local curry house.

“When you see the man making your curry has a life, a family and dreams of his own, then you see humanity.

“Food brings people together and breaks down barriers. When you hear his story you cannot fail but see someone more than just the bloke who makes your food. That’s why I think the Chef Show is vital and timely.

“It will leave behind a genuine relationship that had previously never gone beyond ordering a chicken tikka masala.”

Director Stefan Escreet, whose original idea the play is based on, added: “We are delighted to be working with Lala’s in Batley.

“They are such a highly respected family business and so well known locally. We’re looking forward to plenty of fun on stage.

“We know the Dewsbury and Batley audience will have a great night out and learn a little about the lives of people running these businesses in the community.”

Creative Scene the Arts Council England funded project, which brings arts and culture to north Kirklees, presents the Chef Show, by Ragged Edge Productions.

Nancy Barrett, director of Creative Scene, added: “It is a comedy sketch, a play and a cookery demonstration rolled into one. It is deliciously entertaining and not to be missed.”

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