Lubna Kerr’s gentle and understated nature is in stark – or, rather, subtle – contrast to the larger-than-life personality norms at the Fringe. It’s a testament, though, to her stage presence and level of engagement with the audience that jaded punters (and, dare I say it, reviewers) cramming in several shows a day remained very much alert throughout this show. Lubna – she was so warm and welcoming it’s first name terms – presented two other shows at previous Fringes, Tickbox and Chatterbox, and this is the third in her autobiographical trilogy. For those, like yours truly, who hadn’t seen either of the previous shows, Lubna provided a brief rundown – the first one was about her family’s previous fairly comfortable life in Pakistan and emigration to Glasgow. The second was about primary school in Glasgow, where Lubna was called ‘stupid’ for not being fully conversant in English – at the age of five.
The breaking down of the fourth wall helped maintain engagement with the show. Lubna is not the sort of performer to talk at an audience irrespective of whether it has stopped paying attention. It’s a cliché, perhaps, to say it was as if one was the only other person in the room, but here, it really did feel like that, with a front room ambience being created and maintained. There is, admittedly, some creative licence going on, because the story is partly about Steven McGregor, who bullied Lubna when they were at school together. If bullies are often themselves bullied, Lubna supposes what is ‘really’ going on in Steven’s family home.
Of course, bullying is never restricted to the classroom and playground – it can and does happen in the workplace too. It’s such a specific story, rooted in personal experience, and yet it has a wide appeal, grappling with competing demands. The tendency for older folks, at least in her family, to encourage her to pursue good grades and go on to secure and stable employment demonstrates good intentions, but it is at odds with Lubna’s desire, even as a youngster, to perform on stage. The frustration as she portrays her younger self was palpable, and indeed a full range of human emotion is convincingly laid before the audience in this thoughtful and inspiring performance.
Review by Chris Omaweng
Set in a secondary school in Glasgow, this powerful solo show delves into the dynamic between two teenagers who live on the same street but experience the world very differently. Taking on all the roles – including the juxtaposition of Steven, a troubled Scottish boy, and Lubna, a Pakistani girl – Lubna Kerr examines the impact of bullying through the eyes of these two young people as directly influenced by their environments and upbringing. On a quest to find her true passion, Kerr seeks refuge from the challenges of adolescence in her lunchtime drama club, whilst Steven seems destined for a life as a perpetrator. This compelling and timely piece confronts the age-old question of nature versus nurture, asking whether our paths are defined by where we come from or whether we can rewrite our own stories.
Written and performed by Lubna Kerr
Dramaturg: Jen McGregor
Editor: Charity Trim
Director: Emily Ingram
Creative Producer: Ihsan Kerr
LUNCHBOX
Pleasance Courtyard at the Edinburgh Fringe
30 July to 24 August 2025
