I went to see Does Anyone Else Smell Curry? by Kiren Virdee with the aim of educating myself — and, of course, reviewing it. What I left with was far more than insight. This show didn’t just inform — it shook me, woke me up, and left me genuinely moved.
The show’s premise is personal yet political, quiet yet confrontational. A seemingly throwaway comment — “Does anyone else smell curry?” — said by a friend, laughed off by Kiren herself, becomes the jumping-off point for an unflinching examination of what it means to be British, Punjabi, Sikh — and more. Through spoken word, movement, verbatim theatre, multimedia, and lip sync, Kiren explores the identity puzzle faced by many British South Asians: the pressure to assimilate, the sting of casual racism, the legacy of silence, and the question of how others see you versus how you see yourself.
Let’s be clear: this is one of the most important pieces of theatre on the Fringe this year.
Kiren’s performance is electrifying. Her physicality, her honesty, and her command of the stage are extraordinary. The use of lip-synced racist soundbites is a devastating choice — the audience is forced to confront the words we too often hear or ignore. It’s deeply uncomfortable, as it should be. But within that discomfort, there’s strength. Defiance. Power.
This show doesn’t dwell in victimhood — it roars with resilience. Yes, it’s about pain, but it’s also about identity, culture, community, and carving space where it was never freely given. Through clever multimedia and movement, Kiren gives voice not only to her own experience, but to the shared experiences of so many others who deserve to be seen and heard.
Does Anyone Else Smell Curry? is more than a Fringe show — it’s a national conversation in theatrical form. This work demands a wider platform. It should be seen in schools, community centres, theatres and festivals across the UK. Bookers, pay attention.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 5 Stars
This is beyond a five-star show. It’s necessary theatre. Urgent, bold, and beautifully executed.
Powerful, provocative and unmissable – this is the show the UK needs to see.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/does-anyone-else-smell-curry
