Suba Das, who is directing a new production of Ayub Khan-Din’s East is East for Nottingham Playhouse, is reimagining the play for the 21st century.
Das is putting a fresh spin on the play as the world is seen through the eyes of the Khan family’s youngest son, the parka-wearing Sajit.
Das said, “East is East is one of the most loved British comedies of our times, telling a hilarious and heart-breaking story of what it means to live and love across two different worlds and cultures.
“It was a huge part of my childhood and it’s an honour to lead the production that marks the 20th anniversary of this Olivier- and BAFTA-winning story.
“We’ve assembled a stunning cast of British talent to play the Khans, with National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and West End credits among them. It’s led by the phenomenal Vicky Entwistle as Ella. She was loved by so many for her role as Janice Battersby in Coronation Street and she brings all the gutsiness and grit of the quintessential Manchester matriarch to the production.”
The cast also includes Kammy Darweish (George Khan), Simon Rivers (Abdul Khan), Omar Malik (Tariq Khan), Deven Modha (Maneer Khan), Raj Bajaj (Saleem Khan), Sabrina Sandhu (Meenah Khan), Viraj Juneja (Sajit Khan), Judy Flynn (Auntie Annie) and Rez Kabi (Mr Shah).
The creative team is led by 2016 Linbury Prize-winning designer Grace Smart. Sound designer and composer is Chris Bartholomew and lighting designer is Prema Mehta.
East is East, a Nottingham Playhouse and Northern Stage co-production, runs at the Playhouse from Tuesday 25 May until Saturday 10 June. Press night is Tuesday 30 May.