What a Party!!

Reviewed by Sandi Laird

Firstly, let me admit this was my first foray into immersive theatre. I hope it won’t be my last!

Picture this – you enter the Auburn Theatre — transformed into Mrs. Krishnan’s store — by an actual actor from the production. He introduces himself; you introduce yourself; he escorts you to your seat and introduces you to those sitting nearby. We are no longer theatre patrons; we are now guests. This unique production from the Indian Ink Theatre Company of New Zealand even offers options – you can sit centre stage at the VIP table, choose the front rows or even a bit back from the production in the “cheeky” seats. It all depends on how much you want to participate in the show. My sister Beth and I chose ‘cheeky” because I wanted to be sure I could check out all the action for this review. But even there, were given scarves to wear and balloons to toss and things to say. “Surprise” Mrs. Krishnan, your store is now a party floor for a crowd.

The premise is simple. Mrs. Krishnan is waiting for her son to arrive so they can celebrate Onan together. Both actors tell their stories of hope and disappointment, love and loss, joy and sadness as we party on. Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers as Mrs. Krishnan and James host the party, lead the laughs, assign tasks to the guests (somehow a bag of rice spills across the floor and gets swept up by an enthusiastic diner.)  Both Nagarajan and Rogers are engaging, quick witted, poignant and flexible in meandering through the script while the guests play along. Improv – who knows what could be said!

If I tell you every detail, I will spoil your experience. So let me just say there is music, culture, a peek into the immigrant experience, and dancing – Nagarajan performs a touching Indian dance in full regalia. An entire meal is cooked and served to the guests before the party ends. The smells are wonderful and the ambience perfect. I found it to be a joyful and unique experience.

Don’t be shy to go because you are in for a PARTY!!

Photo: Kalyani Nagarajan as Mrs. Krishnan and Justin Rogers as James.

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party continues at the Grand Theatre, Auburn Stage, London until March 7. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
Produced and created by Indian Ink Theatre Company
Directed by Justin Lewis
Written by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis
Set Design by John Verryt
Costume Design by Fiona Nichols
Lighting Design by Jane Hakaraia
Sound design by Lia Kelly
Dramaturgy by Murray Edmond
Performed by Kalyani Nagarajan & Justin Rogers
Grand Theatre, Auburn Stage, 471 Richmond Street, London
February 25 to March 7, 2026
Reviewed by Sandi Laird