Moving tale of family life

Our White Skoda Octavia, Key Theatre, November 5 and 6

Anew and moving play shining a light on the struggles of contemporary life as one family juggles bills, dreams and taxidriving schemes is coming to Peterborough this autumn. Our White Skoda Octavia , from Eastern Angles, is touring from October 6 – and arrives at Peterborough’s Key Theatre on November 5 for two nights.

In a small town in the East of England, just before the credit crunch of 2007, Amjad decides to take up taxi-driving. His days take on the rhythm of a drum. But when money is tight and Rabia’s stifled ambitions hang heavy in the air, even the songs of John Denver or the scent of a Chitral rose are not enough to mend the cracks.

Speaking about his new play, writer Shamser Sinha (pictured) said: “Part of who we are is in other people, and part of us is in them.

“No more so than with families and the places they live. I guess that was my inspiration.”

Spanning over a decade, Our White Skoda Octavia follows the Afridi family as they try to remain optimistic in the face of relationship troubles, health difficulties and financial worries.

An atmospheric tabla drumscape accompanies them through to their story’s bittersweet conclusion.

This new play was inspired by conversations with taxi-drivers and residents of Peterborough and Ipswich held in 2018 as part of an Arts Council funded research project.

On the development of the play since then, creative producer Karen Goddard said: “It’s been really fascinating to see how the story has evolved to include so many aspects of family life, it has a real mix of humour and poignancy in it which I hope people will enjoy.”

To find out more and book your tickets for one of the Key Theatre performances visit www.easternangles.co.uk.