Experience the timeless tale of My Beautiful Laundrette at Liverpool Playhouse

Based on Hanif Kureishi’s Oscar-nominated screenplay, My Beautiful Laundrette comes to life on stage at Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 March.

This captivating production of My Beautiful Laundrette features original music composed by the Pet Shop Boys and is directed by the talented Nicole Behan, Co-Artistic Director of Liverpool-based company Paperwork Theatre.

My Beautiful Laundrette. (L-R) Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Omar) and Sam Mitchell (Johnny) - Photography by Ellie Kurttz — (L-R) Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Omar) and Sam Mitchell (Johnny) – Photography by Ellie Kurttz

Set in South London during the Thatcher years, My Beautiful Laundrette tells the compelling story of young British Pakistani, Omar, who transforms his uncle’s run-down laundrette into a thriving business.

Nominated for Best New Play and Best Regional Production at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2020, this play offers a poignant exploration of family, friendship, and love amidst societal challenges.

(L-R) Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Omar) and Sam Mitchell (Johnny) - Photography by Ellie Kurttz — (L-R) Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Omar) and Sam Mitchell (Johnny) – Photography by Ellie Kurttz

Reprising his iconic role as Omar’s wise but world-weary Papa is Gordon Warnecke, who originally played Omar in Stephen Frear’s Oscar-nominated 1985 film. Lucca Chadwick-Patel takes on the role of Omar, with Sam Mitchell portraying his fascist former school-friend, Johnny.

Joining the cast are Kammy Darweish as Omar’s enterprising Thatcherite uncle Nasser, Paddy Daly as right-wing thug Genghis, and Hareet Deol as Salim, Nasser’s right-hand man. Emma Bown and Sharan Phull also deliver captivating performances in various roles.

Gordon Warnecke, who plays Omar’s papa, said:

“There are many elements within Hanif’s story that will resonate with all ages who come to see the play. The desire to ‘better’ oneself, family issues and an endearing love story. I would say that My Beautiful Laundrette is timeless.

(L-R) Gordon Warnecke (Papa) and Sam Mitchell (Johnny) - Photography by Ellie Kurttz — (L-R) Gordon Warnecke (Papa) and Sam Mitchell (Johnny) – Photography by Ellie Kurttz

“Even though it was written almost 40 years ago, and issues that existed then still surface now in one way or another, but Hanif’s script covers these in an informative and entertaining way.”

Directed by Liverpool-born Nicole Behan, the production features original music composed by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys, along with stunning set and costume design by Grace Smart, lighting by Ben Cracknell, and sound design by Tom Marshall.