Octagon Theatre Bolton presents a new production of Ayub Khan Din’s award-winning East is East in March.
This comedy about clashing cultures and family drama has been made into a BAFTA-winning film, become a modern classic and will be brought to life on stage by Octagon’s associate director Ben Occhipinti.
Returning to the Octagon as father of the family, George Khan, is Kulvinder Ghir (Goodness Gracious Me BBC, Still Open All Hours BBC). Alongside him is Jane Hazlegrove (Casualty BBC, The Sewing Group Royal Court) as Ella, George’s Irish Catholic second wife.
Making their debut at the Octagon are Uzair Bhatti playing middle son Maneer, Jatinder Chera (Doctors BBC) playing art student Saleem and Shila Iqbal (Citizen Khan BBC, Emmerdale ITV), playing Meenah. Ralph Birtwell will reprise his role as the doctor from the feature film, as well as taking on the role of Mr. Shah.
Also returning to the Octagon after he played Eddie in The Family Way is Akshay Gulati as Tariq, the frustrated focus of his father’s arranged marriage plans, and Mitesh Soni (A Christmas Carol Hull Truck, Romeo & Juliet National Theatre) as Abdul. Completing the cast is Claire Hackett (Coronation Street ITV, Holby City BBC) playing Auntie Annie.
East is East will play from March 15 to April 14.