Adeel Akhtar in The Estate [Helen Murray]

SHAAN Sahota’s astonishingly sharp debut play, a deft blend of political satire and family drama, follows a politician’s attempts to balance ambition with the demands of his private life.

When the leader of the opposition resigns amid yet another scandal, Angad Singh (Adeel Akhtar in an award-winning performance), MP for Reading Central and Shadow Secretary for Rural Affairs, decides to run for party leadership.

Angad is proud of his roots – in particular his Sikh father’s background as a baggage handler who came to England in the 1970s with only £5 in his pocket. But it later emerges that his father made his fortune as a shady landlord.

Determined that nothing will stand in his way, Angad hasn’t reckoned with his father’s sudden death and a contentious will that puts him at odds with his two older sisters: Malicka (Shelley Conn) and Gyan (Thusitha Jayasundera), an overworked GP.

When an unsavoury incident from his public-school days comes to light, Angad is forced to deal with the fallout. His campaign team (Fode Simbo and Helena Wilson) appear increasingly out of their depth, unsure how to manage the potential scandal or Angad’s questionable tactics.

Humphery Ker is amusing as Ralph, the towering, bullish chief whip, whom Angad has to “persuade” to come on side.

Daniel Ragget’s sleek production moves at a terrific clip, while Chloe Lamford’s versatile set takes us from Commons office to a gurdwara and conference hall, as well as to Angad’s elegant drawing room – shared with his cool, self-assured wife Sangeeta (Dinita Gohil).

The personal and political are entwined to terrific effect. The cast is superb, and Akhtar – undeniably the star of the show – moves fluidly between vulnerability and ruthlessness. I loved his performance and Sahota’s compelling drama marks her as a talent to watch.

Until August 23
nationaltheatre.org.uk