Deli Segal takes the audience on a satirical, flamboyant and hugely funny journey of enlightenment in Pickle’s return to Park Theatre
Upon arrival, the intimacy of a small, packed room is complimented by boisterous Israeli music and women dancing like they’re at a simcha (celebration in Hebrew). There's a central arc draped in red velvet curtains donning the Hebrew characters for 'pickle' (courtesy of designer Andy Brock) and kosher sweets are offered, giving an instant insight into Ariella’s mind, our vivacious protagonist played by the show's writer, Deli Segal.
The setting is northwest London. The time is now. Ari is approaching 30 and still lives with her parents in Finchley, much to the disappointment of her mother, sister-in-law, and herself. The ironic references to Jewish stereotypes and their geographical origins don't go unnoticed, as Segal leaves no stone unturned in her "Jew-diligence" of finding a husband. She's experimental in her sexual conquests, in the hope of finding a romantic connection, but the further she ventures from her faith, the louder her conscience becomes in its defiance.
Segal’s comedic timing is second to none as Ari navigates shidduchs (arranged marriages) and schmucks, with the occasional burst of song, all under the considered direction of Kayla Feldman. The singleton dates a goy, a salmon specialist, a New Yorker and a nebach (an unfortunate person), while her inner voice fights to stay heard – even when the morally uncertain leading lady ventures out of her comfort zone and south of the river.
Returning to north London's Park Theatre after a sold-out run earlier this year, Pickle attracts – unsurprisingly – a north London Jewish audience. However, Segal ensures her slapstick soliloquy appeals to all thanks to a trusty glossary left on every seat, covering everything from shivas (period of mourning) to schmekls (we’ll leave you to Google that one), Purim to Christmas, Monopoly to Schindler’s List… In some ways, the journey the audience takes with Segal is a religious rite of passage, in others it's a reflection on the rites of life. But whether you're religious or otherwise, Jewish or Jew-ish, you won't struggle to find Pickle relevant, relatable and memorable.
By Dani Silver
Photos by Danny Kaan
Pickle runs until Saturday 26 November. 7pm (Wed & Thu only), 8.30pm (Tue, Fri & Sat). £20. Park Theatre, N4 3JP. parktheatre.co.uk