Baghdaddy (London) London Reviews and Tickets

76%

(3 Ratings)

Positive

33%

Mixed

67%

Negative

Members say

Great writing, Resonant, Absorbing, Relevant, Profound

About the Show

Jasmine Naziha Jones’s debut play exploring cultural identity, generational trauma and a father-daughter relationship amidst global conflict.

As the Gulf War rages thousands of miles away, 8 year old Darlee cries behind the wheely book case in Miss Stratford’s classroom when she realises she’s Iraqi.

She finds it impossible to process the trauma of her family's country at war, but she'll be haunted by the memories of it later in life when the spirits of her past come back to haunt her ...

'Baghdaddy' is a coming-of-age story told through clowning and memory, and marks the Royal Court debut of Jasmine Naziha Jones.

Royal Court Associate Milli Bhatia ('seven methods of killing kylie jenner') directs.

Show-Score Member Reviews (3)

Thought-provoking, Resonant, Relevant, Profound, Great writing

See it if good to make you think about other and have more empathy and understanding about other races

Don't see it if harrowing story, not a comfortable watch

100

Intense, Absorbing, Great writing, Masterful, Resonant

See it if /

Don't see it if /

Ambitious, Quirky, Uneven, Great staging, Hilarious

See it if You appreciate aburdist humour

Don't see it if You're expecting a perfect show - you can tell it's someone's first play

Critic Reviews (8)

"It is a shame that the force and vivacity of the writing is stifled by direction that is too eager to please. "
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" ‘Baghdaddy’ is a genuinely promising debut that very much feels like the work of an early years playwright and might have been better served by the Court’s smaller Upstairs theatre."
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" 'Baghdaddy’s' complicated parts do not quite come together, its boldness is extraordinary and certainly showcases the playwright’s fearless talent."
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"Too much biographical and political detail goes missing in action. And I was unpersuaded and often irritated by the device of a clownish chorus of three 'spiritual companions',"
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"Steeped in a roiling mixture of grievance and affection, the play comes movingly to a close on a straightforwardly expressed 'thanks Dad' - proof positive that for all life’s lacerations, what will survive of us with any luck is love."
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" 'Baghdaddy' is a bumpy ride. I’d happily have left during the interval. I’m glad I didn’t."
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"At best Baghdaddy is a surreal trip into traumatic memory, at its worst it’s a self-indulgent mess … But even if it’s not completely successful, it’s a strong debut."
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"There are genuine moments of poignancy and gut-wrench – sadly there is so much absurdity surrounding it however that it's very difficult to grab onto."
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Trailer

Creative team