This Review is from August 2026

There is a lot to like about Haig (pronounced Hike) Chahinian’s life affirming true story of parenthood and family dynamics. Haig is the white son of Armenian parents but is living in the United States with his husband and daughter.

We delve into Armenian history, and the effects of the 1915 Armenian Genocide during World War I “For the record, I think it should be called the Turkish Genocide, because they did it.” Haig recalls his parents shouting at each other in Turkish because “it is the language of rage”.

Haig relates tender and less tender moments with his father. He reflects on the challenges of having an adopted daughter of colour. There are parental mishaps and missteps, but Haig is clearly a great dad. If I was his daughter, I would be proud.

But I would also cringe, as the young always do at their embarrassing parents. Sadly, much of the audience were cringing too, as far too many ‘dad jokes’ litter this hour. One is given the mistaken impression that Best Dad NEVER is trying to be a comedy show. Haig should either hook up with a comedy writer and insert some proper gags or, preferably, drop the jokes completely. They only serve to theatrically undermine an otherwise powerful, beautiful performance.

Martin Walker