‘Chatterbox’ by Lubna Kerr is a biographical story of Lubna’s experience as a young child who moved to Scotland from Pakistan, struggling to fit in with her peers when she couldn’t speak English. The play mixes elements from her past in a storytelling format, with poignant moments of her current self, spoken to the audience.
Kerr’s acting is impressive as she switches between characters in her life; her mum; her dad; her “friendly racist” neighbours, Jeannie; Mrs Macdonald, and her horrible teacher. Her ability to change her acting to define each of these characters with such fluidity and confidence, without explicitly telling the audience – was a marvel to watch. Her storytelling abilities through her portrayals of these characters made for an interesting show.
Performed in the Pleasance Courtyard – The Green, a smaller venue with a very intimate audience, the stage was filled with props that had real references to the stories Kerr told. For example, the cricket bat refers to the games she would play with her family in the park, and the stop sign represents the conversations with the lollipop lady after school. However, the involvement of these props were very limited when they were used and many of the props lay unused. The story would have remained the same without the props on stage but would have been improved with their involvement. Otherwise, Kerr’s use of the stage as an actor to represent different characters was done with artistic intelligence.
As an actor, Kerr uses extremes to play her characters. For example, Mrs Macdonald had had a strong Scottish accent, however in doing so, some of the content in what she was saying was lost. However, her over-the-top characterization was humourous as she learned to laugh at things that had once hurt her in the past. On the other hand, the non-characterized moments where she spoke as herself, reflecting on her childhood were equally as dramatic. In moments like this, it could have been more relatable to the audience if Kerr was more realistic, as she is just being herself. That is not to say these moments were unrealistic or not funny but that it could have added a deeper level to the show, to allow audiences to view Lubna Kerr’s story through their own eyes, with honesty rather than filtered through the heightened characters.
The message of the show was beautiful as it explored how the names we are given as a child shape us as adults, as we either try and fit into them to please others, or rebel from them to feel like ourselves. We see examples of Kerr being labeled as “stupid” or “darkie” by her peers, teachers, and neighbours -this performance showcases her rising above these labels, showing her wonderful talent and inspiring confidence. Also, her story should be heard by the many for perspective on these hard-hitting issues. Lubna Kerr is wonderfully proud to be labeled as a Chatterbox.
’Chatterbox’ is playing from August 2nd-August 25th (excluding August 13th and 20th)
Theatre Scotland 
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