Sweetmeats ★★★ Bush Theatre | Feb 7 - Mar 21, 2026


When two South Asian elders meet at a diabetes management course, romance is the last thing on the agenda. Yet in Karim Khan’s charming romantic comedy, love proves to be the sweetest item on offer. Diabetes becomes more than a medical condition. It serves as a metaphor for grief, while food stands in for the affection missing from the lives of Hema and Liaquat, both widowed and unsure whether love can return. Hema has created a combative persona, fortifying herself against further hurt. Liaquat, by contrast, is burdened by regret, haunted by feelings he never voiced. They bond over their shared weakness for sweets and the resultant diabetes, but their differences are pronounced. She is Indian and he is Pakistani. Even so, what unites them gradually outweighs what divides them. The political message is clear without being laboured. Performed by Shobu Kapoor and Rehan Sheikh, Hema and Liaquat are instantly recognisable and deeply sympathetic. We root for them to take the risk and find happiness again. Khan knows the mechanics of the rom-com genre and guides us confidently along its familiar path, balancing humour with tenderness. However, the production is not without its flaws. The musical interludes feel overextended, and the narrative passages pull us out of the dramatic moment. There is too much recitation and not enough revelation through action. And while the political tension between the characters is rich with possibility, it remains under-explored. At times, the play also leans towards the overly saccharine, favouring easy sweetness over emotional complexity. The plot unfolds in a succession of engaging scenes, yet it lacks a fully sustained dramatic arc. One of the production’s triumphs is Aldo Vázquez’s exquisite set design. His evocation of the two homes is detailed and atmospheric, subtly reflecting the inner worlds of the characters. This is a warm and engaging piece, and it is impossible not to care for Hema and Liaquat. Yet with sharper focus, deeper political nuance and a stronger narrative throughline, the play could transcend charm and achieve something truly memorable.

Rated: ★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Craig Fuller

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 7 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 8LJ, UK

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