10-12 December 2019, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
A new comedy about clashing family values – playing in real time.
Set in the living room of 10 Downing Street on the eve of a general election, The Mullah of Downing Street is a new blistering political comedy which visits Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre from 10-12 December 2019.
At the Prime Minister’s residence, the evening is drawing to a close when PM Claire Scarsdale’s spirited daughter, Nina, returns home and introduces her parents to her fiancé, Akhtar.
As a young Muslim man learned in Islamic ideology, Akhtar is reverent and respectful to his future in-laws – but there is a caveat. Nina wants to get married tomorrow, and won’t take no for an answer.
Suddenly, what should be a happy ‘meet the parents’ turns into a breaking news story as the family try to juggle clashing political views inside the home, as well as in the public eye.
Starring Mark Extance (John), Hassan Maarfi (Akhtar), Stephanie Booth (Nina) and Sue Ruddick (PM Claire Scarsdale), The Mullah of Downing Street is written by Imran Yusuf, and directed by Katharine Farmer.
Playwright Imran is a graduate from the Royal Court Young Writers Programme and the Forum of Young European Playwrights in Wiesbaden. His play Stumped won Pakistan’s first ever national playwriting prize, going on to enjoy successful runs in Karachi, Delhi, Kolkata and Melbourne.
Says Imran: “If asked, ‘what is this play about?’ I might say: ‘Oh, about an hour-and-a-half!’ When pushed, one could add it’s about culture and class, Islam and identity, faith and family. The idea, though, is for the audience to have no idea about any of that as they’ll be focused on the surprises and delights of the plot. Mostly, I hope this play is about to warm people’s hearts while moving them to fanatical laughter.”
Director Katharine is a graduate of The University of Warwick and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Her work in the US has culminated in six LA Times Critic’s Picks, an LA Ovation Award for Best Production of a Play, and an Indy Award for Best Director. In the UK, she’s directed productions for Southwark Playhouse, The Other Palace, London, and The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol.
Says Katharine: “I’m very much looking forward to returning to The University of Warwick, and directing a play with such topicality, especially as we head towards a general election!”
After a successful run at The Theatre Chipping Norton, The Mullah of Downing Street visits Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 December 2019.
For tickets and more information, see: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
LISTINGS
Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 December 2019
The Mullah of Downing Street
A new political comedy by playwright Imran Yusuf.
Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
7.30pm
£15 (£13)
Tel: 024 7652 4524
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
CREDITS
The Mullah Of Downing Street
Cast
Mark Extance – John
Hassan Maarfi – Akhtar
Stephanie Booth – Nina Scarsdale
Sue Ruddick – PM Claire Scarsdale
Writer – Imran Yusuf
Director/Sound – Katharine Farmer
Producer – Paul O’Leary
For more details, see: www.blue-touch.co.uk
Instagram: @blue_touchpaper
Twitter: @bluetouchpaperproductions
MEDIA CONTACT
For all press and media enquiries relating to this performance, including image and interview requests and review tickets, please contact us:
Four Four Eight 