THE Far East meets East Is East in York as the Japanese mime, puppetry, dance troupe Siro-A, techno stars of the Great Yorkshire Fringe, try out the pink sofa from the touring production of the British-Asian comedy drama.

Ayub Khan-Din's semi-autobiographical play about growing up on in a mixed-race family in 1970s' Salford is running at the Grand Opera House, York, all this week from tonight with a cast led by Father Ted star Pauline McLynn.

She stars as Ella, wife of fish-and-chip shop owner George Khan, known as Genghis by his children on account of his determination to impose a strict Muslim upbringing. Played by Simon Nagra, George batters not only the fish in one infamous scene.

Siro-A played the inaugural Great Yorkshire Fringe for three days last week on their first visit to York. East Is East will run until Saturday; box office, 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york