Noor at Southwark Playhouse

Noor Inayat Khan was the first female wireless operator to be sent from the UK to France during the World War II. Tasked with assisting the French Resistance, Khan was ultimately captured and executed after being betrayed by those responsible for her. She was just 30 years of age. As an acknowledgment of the courage and heroism she exhibited in the Special Operations Executive, Khan was posthumously awarded the George Cross. Writer Azma Dar brings her new play – a celebration of this trailblazing woman– to Southwark Playhouse under the direction of Poonam Brah.

With such a remarkable individual anchoring this inspirational story, it is well suited to the stage. Alas, audiences are flooded with an over-written and expositional script, which attempts to deal with too many themes and plot trajectories. 

A story that needs and deserves to be told, Noor ultimately feels like the blueprint to a more cohesive work. One of the treasures of the production is the actors, who all elevate the piece. Annice Boparai, as the titular character, captivates; seizing appropriate sensitivity, she delivers an expert performance. 

The actor is well supported by Caroline Faber’s Vera, the woman who ultimately betrayed her. Chris Porter is both menacing and somehow vulnerable as the man who executed Noor, with that particular scene prompting pause amongst the audience. Laurence Saunders, Ellie Turner and Munir Khairdin complete the cast, each investing their all into their performances. 

A great deal is packed into the production, which runs at around 100 minutes. While it’s admirable that the writer clearly conducted a great deal of research, the end product is a dense script. The entire creative team clearly care about the subject matter, however: accent coach Mary Howland, movement director Nancy Kettle and sound designer Dinah Mullen are all of particular note. Brah’s assured direction also allows for swift scene changes and brings the best out of her cast. Noor is interesting evening, but a play that would benefit from refinement. A beautiful story told by a beautiful cast and tenderly delivered to the stage. 

Jonathan Marshall

Noor is at Southwark Playhouse from 4^th November until 26^th November 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.