Elder Latimer is in Love

Published Wednesday 16 September 2009 at 11:40 by Jonathan Lovett

The Buddha of Suburbia meets Brideshead Revisited in a very modern retelling set in multicultural London.

Young Mormon, Jaden Latimer (Rob Heaps), over here as part of his mission, awakens to the possibilities of life when he meets gay Muslim Qasif (Richard David-Caine) and his alluring sister, Dina (Zina Badran).

Intrigued by the pursuits of one and the passionate politics of the other, Jaden’s blank canvas starts to brighten, helped by their bohemian aunt, Ella (Nila Aalia), and partner, Tom (Steve Nicolson) - although the video that Dina’s making does not bode well for a lasting lifetime of happiness together.

Skimming the surface of Islam and Christianity, Sebastian Michael’s play does not fully justify the sudden switch in tone in the last ten minutes and seems happier with the bong than the bombs.

But there is still enough here for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment with some well-written comic scenes, fluid direction from Adam Berzsenyi Bellaagh - particularly impressive in such a small space, utilising a number of white blocks to imaginative effect - and engaging performances led by Nila Aalia as the kind of aunt any Mormon or Muslim would love to have.