Aint No Law Against Fish 'N' Chips

Synopsis

A council estate in Dagenham, Essex, March 2011

Pete, a 19-year-old white working-class man, finds himself at a crossroads in life. Pete’s failed job prospects and growing sense of disenfranchisement lead him to embrace the ideology of the far-right English Defence League (EDL). As he becomes increasingly radicalised, his relationships with his best friend Kyle, a 19-year-old black student, and his mother Linda become strained and eventually fracture.

Lewenstein explores the complex issues of identity, nationalism, and racial tension in modern-day Britain. Through sharp dialogue and nuanced character development, she explores how economic uncertainty and a perceived loss of cultural identity can fuel extremist ideologies. The play juxtaposes Pete’s growing involvement with the EDL against Kyle’s academic aspirations and Linda’s attempts to maintain normalcy. As the story progresses, it becomes a poignant examination of how fear and misinformation can tear apart friendships, families, and communities. The title itself serves as a metaphor for the cultural touchstones that remain constant despite societal changes, challenging the characters – and the audience – to reconsider what truly defines national identity in a diverse, modern Britain.