About Speed

Last week, I finally caught up with Speed, at the Bush. Originally, I was meant to go to the press night, but had to cry off because of illness. I’m really glad I didn’t miss this excellent 80-minute show, written by Mohamed-Zain Dada (whose debut Blue Mist was both funny and thought-provoking) and brilliantly directed by Milli Bhatia. Set in Birmingham, Speed, as its title suggests, is about a speed awareness course, led by instructor Abz (Nikesh Patel), in which three British Asians (repeat offenders) have to fess up to their poor road behaviours: Faiza (Shazia Nicholls) is a brightly confident CEO, Harleen (Sabrina Sandhu) is an angry NHS nurse, and Samir (Arian Nik) is a young fast-driver and fast-talker from Yorkshire. Abz leads them through a course in self-awareness, radical listening and provokes them to embrace change. But is he really who he says he is, and what about his own inner demons? This is a psychological thriller, with super performances by a thrilling cast, who mix sharp jokes with the more spooky and serious elements of the show. Okay, you do have to suspend disbelief at a couple of plot points, but — believe — it’s worth it. Gradually, the themes of British national identity, racial profiling and a deep concern for the public image of the Asian community come into view — written with terrific energy and delivered with exciting precision. It’s a really great show. Strap in, and enjoy the acceleration.

© Aleks Sierz

• Speed is at the Bush Theatre until 17 May.

Arian Nik Blue Mist British Asians Britishness Bush Theatre comedy community driving Milli Bhatia Mohamed-Zain Dada national identity new writing Nikesh Patel psychological thriller racial profiling Sabrina Sandhu Shazia Nicholls Speed therapy