REVIEWS FOR THE TIGER AND THE MOUSTACHE

This story burns brightly. An intricate and heady script of authentic voices past and present is delivered beautifully by Saikat Ahamed. With a natural flair for the spoken word, he has perfected the art of blending anecdote with humour, evoking atmosphere and revealing the political complexities of a rich cultural story. The Tiger and the Moustache is an intelligent, semi-autobiographical work. We learn how Ahamed's mother's uncle became a Bengali freedom fighter during the emergence of Pakistan last century. As a second-generation immigrant, Saikat now continues to weave his story into the fabric of modern day UK.

The piece is a poignant portrait of the spirit of the Bengalese people as well as a charged recollection of a nation's heritage. When a new country is formed, a family are forced to readdress their identity through language and shared memory. The enigmatic, emblematic tiger evades enclosure and retains his dignity, achieving near mythical status. Saikat is adept at taking you places with an accent, a gesture, a detail. He captivates his audience with evocative descriptions and fiery characterisations throughout. The Tiger and the Moustache is a masterclass in the power and
universality of pure storytelling.
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Emily Keene - Wildfire, Daily Critical Review of the Ignite Festival