Gelin
Young Actors Theatre Islington
Gelin is a modern adaptation of Ibrahim Şinasi’s Şair Evlenmesi, reimagined from the female characters’ perspective in present-day London. Aylin, a young Turkish woman with a habit of telling tall tales, is blindsided when her overbearing mother, Sevim, arranges a marriage she doesn’t want. Instead of saying no, Aylin decides to send her bumbling non-Turkish friend, Yaz, to meet Emre, the “perfect” groom, in her place, secretly convinced Yaz’s kookiness will scare him off. Only... Yaz and Emre actually click. But he still thinks she’s Aylin. As the lies pile up all the way to the wedding, Aylin is forced to confront why she tells so many stories to keep the peace - with her mother, her best friend and herself. Inspired by the unheard voices in Şair Evlenmesi, Gelin explores the complexities women face across cultures, from family expectations to the fragile but powerful bonds of female friendships. Funny, charming and honest, Gelin asks whether a woman can be the ‘mükemmel gelin’ - the perfect bride - without lying about herself to make everyone happy.
Secrets of the Simpsons
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Stories and Scandals from Springfield. Comedy producer Mike Reiss won four Emmys during his thirty-six years writing movie scripts, American TV shows and countless episodes of The Simpsons. His talk also features “The Science of Jokes” and a Q&A when Mike will answer the fans favourite question “Just how do The Simpsons always manage to predict the future “ ‘Entertainment Weekly’ called Season 4 of The Simpsons “the greatest season of the greatest show in history”. Mike Reiss lectures regularly throughout the USA and on the world's cruise ships including Cunard’s QM2. This Summer Mike makes his UK debut visiting London, Stockport, Birmingham and Brighton. ‘Secrets of The Simpsons’ is a two-hour presentation including interval and Q&A Tour information (not tickets): www.ovationuk.com