Gelin, part of Camden Fringe Festival 2026

Gelin is a modern adaptation of Ibrahim Şinasi's Şair Evlenmesi, reimagined from the female characters' perspective in present-day London.

Aylin, a young Turkish woman with a habit of telling tall tales, is blindsided when her overbearing mother, Sevim, arranges a marriage she doesn't want. Instead of saying no, Aylin decides to send her bumbling non-Turkish friend, Yaz, to meet Emre, the "perfect" groom, in her place, secretly convinced Yaz's kookiness will scare him off.

Only... Yaz and Emre actually click. But he still thinks she's Aylin. As the lies pile up all the way to the wedding, Aylin is forced to confront why she tells so many stories to keep the peace - with her mother, her best friend and herself.

Inspired by the unheard voices in Şair Evlenmesi, Gelin explores the complexities women face across cultures, from family expectations to the fragile but powerful bonds of female friendships. Funny, charming and honest, Gelin asks whether a woman can be the 'mükemmel gelin' - the perfect bride - without lying about herself to make everyone happy.