A vibrant graphic featuring the letter 'P' in bold typography, set against a colourful abstract background.

The P Word

Venue

Bush Theatre

The Olivier Award-winning and critically acclaimed story of hope and romance returns for a strictly limited run, with Emmy-winner Tan France (Queer Eye) attached as Producer.

The enduringly relevant story of a romance blossoming against all odds broke Box Office records in 2022, and now returns with its original cast and creative team.

‘I’m not in your Britain. I’m in another Britain.’

Zafar flees homophobic persecution in Pakistan to seek asylum in the UK. Londoner Bilal (self-styled as ‘Billy’) is ground down by years of Grindr and the complexity of being a brown gay man. Their worlds are about to change forever.

Moving through casual hook-ups to the UK’s hostile environment, Waleed Akhtar’s sharp-witted and devastating play charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men.

Directed by Theatre503 Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike. Original cast members Esh Alladi (Bridgerton) and Waleed Akhtar (The Great) return.

Closing

27/06/2026

Running Time

1h40, no interval

Genre

Drama, Plays

Age & Content

14+

Please Note:

This production contains haze effects throughout, flashing & flickering lights, loud noises especially low frequency sounds, use of strong language, Adult themes. For a full list of content warnings and further information, please see the self care guide here.

Cast:

Waleed Akhtar as

Billy

Esh Alladi as

Zafar

Creative:

Writer -

Waleed Akhtar

Director -

Anthony Simpson-Pike

Set & Costume Designer -

Max Johns

Composer -

Niraj Chag

Lighting Designer -

Elliot Griggs

Sound Designer -

XANA

Movement Director -

Rachael Nanyonjo

Casting Director -

Jatinder Chera

No accessibility performances are currently scheduled for this show.