'My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred. Almost.'

South London in the late seventies. High unemployment, high inflation, food shortages and strikes. But despite the winter of discontent, 17-year-old Karim’s life is about to explode into glorious technicolour as he navigates a path to enlightenment. Or at the very least, Beckenham.

Emma Rice adapts the award-winning 1990 novel, which was later turned into an acclaimed TV series, with Hanif Kureishi. On stage it becomes an irresistible, heart-breaking and joyful exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging.

Karim will be played by Dee Ahluwalia (Our Generation National Theatre, Consent, Sex Education) whilst Ankur Bahl (The Father and The Assassin National Theatre, A Midsummer Night's Dream Shakespeare's Globe, Volpone RSC) takes the role of his father Haroon.

Age guidance 13+. This production contains scenes of an adult nature, including depictions of nudity and sexual acts, and swearing throughout. For more information about themes and contents of this play, please see our content advisory page.

New Work at the RSC is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation and The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust