presented with Seventh Productions & Chuchu Nwagu Productions alongside Tan France and Dr. Ranj Singh.
The P Word, Waleed Akhtar’s 2023 Olivier Award-winning play, which charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men under the UK government’s increasingly hostile position against migrants, returns from 28 May to 27 June (press night 1 June) with the original cast of Akhtar alongside Esh Alladi. The production is co-presented by Seventh Productions and Chuchu Nwagu Productions.
Dr. Ranj Singh, doctor, TV presenter, author, and musical theatre star, who has been announced as a Producer of the show alongside Emmy-winning television personality and producer Tan France of Netflix’s decorated series Queer Eye. Dr. Ranj said, ‘I’m incredibly proud to be supporting The P Word as a producer — a powerful and timely piece that brings vital, and long overdue, conversations to the forefront. This is a story that feels deeply personal and universally relevant, exploring the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men with honesty, heart, and nuance.”
“Following its Olivier Award win and record-breaking run, it’s clear just how much this work resonates. For me, it’s about championing South Asian and queer voices in theatre, backing bold new writing, and encouraging audiences to engage with live theatre that truly challenges stigma and inspires greater openness around issues that affect so many of us. For queer, South Asian people, this play has been a long time coming.“
The producers have also announced further collaborations on The P Word. Set and Costume Designer Max Johns will be working in partnership with Priya Ahluwalia’s multi-award-winning design label Ahluwalia, whose clothes will feature in the production. The label combines elements from the designer’s dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots. It explores the potential of vintage and surplus clothing by giving existing materials a new life through various textile and patchwork techniques, which means many Ahluwalia pieces are one-of-a-kind.
Seventh Productions & Chuchu Nwagu Productions, in association with Tan France, Dr Ranj Singh & Bush Theatre, present THE P WORD by Waleed Akhtar Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike. 28th May – 27th June at Bush Theatre, tickets & further information via the theatre website.
Images (c) Bettina Adela
