Phizzical Productions is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Shahid Iqbal Khan’s Olivier Award-nominated play 10 Nights, opening at London’s Riverside Studios on Wednesday 8 January 2025 before embarking on a UK tour. Directed by the visionary Sâmir Bhamra and starring the talented Adeel Ali, this heartfelt and humorous one-man show offers an authentic, deeply moving portrayal of identity, faith, and community—making it a must-see event in London’s vibrant theatre calendar.
After its opening run at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith (8 – 26 January), 10 Nights will tour nationwide, reaching Derby Theatre (27 – 28 January), The Lowry Manchester (30 January – 1 February), Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield (4 – 5 February), and Birmingham Hippodrome (6 – 8 February). This diverse itinerary ensures that audiences across the UK can experience a production that has already resonated with critics, industry insiders, and theatre-lovers alike.
At the heart of 10 Nights lies the story of Yasser, who embarks on itikaf—the spiritual practice of secluded reflection during the final ten nights of Ramadan—hoping to deepen his understanding of himself and his faith. Within the mosque’s walls, Yasser navigates not only the practicalities of communal living and unexpected cravings (like chunky chips!) but also encounters the subtle dynamics of his fellow worshippers. The result is a poignant exploration of fractured friendships, personal growth, and the collective desire to live with dignity, hope, and unity.
Playwright Shahid Iqbal Khan, whose profound storytelling earned 10 Nights its Olivier nomination, eagerly anticipates this new staging. “It has become a festive tradition to watch 10 Nights as Ramadan approaches,” Khan said. “I love that the 2025 tour will go even further north, reaching places like Huddersfield and Greater Manchester. I’m excited to see Adeel Ali take on Yasser’s role—I can’t wait to see what he brings to the stage!”
Adeel Ali, a classically trained actor whose credits span from Shakespearean plays to contemporary works like What Fatima Did, promises to deliver a compelling, multi-layered performance. Ali’s ability to inhabit varied characters across stage and screen—recently including appearances in the series The Family Man and films such as Jawani Jaaneman—makes him an ideal choice to bring the warmth, humor, and complexity of Yasser’s journey to life. “I am thrilled to be cast in 10 Nights,” Ali said. “It’s a phenomenal play that will allow me to portray multiple characters, delve into questions of faith and community, and celebrate a time of togetherness.”
Director Sâmir Bhamra, known for producing British Asian stories that resonate with today’s audiences, believes 10 Nights is especially timely. “This is the kind of British Asian story we need right now—human, relatable, and unapologetically real,” Bhamra explained. “Shahid’s play dismantles stereotypes about Muslim men with warmth, grace, and humor. I am delighted that our venue partners are working with us to welcome communities who have been constantly ignored.”
The creative team behind 10 Nights is equally distinguished. Voice and text coaching by Salvatore Sorce ensures every nuance of the play is crystal-clear, while costume design by Simron Sabri, sound design by Sarah Sayeed and Reuben Cook, and lighting by Rajiv Pattani create an immersive on-stage experience. Video production by Rudi Okasili-Henry, movement direction by Hamza Ali, and creative producing by Samina Ali round out a team dedicated to bringing this heartfelt story to the forefront of UK theatre.
As London’s artistic scene continues to champion diverse narratives, 10 Nights stands out as a powerful story about faith, love, and identity, offering a rare chance to experience a coming-of-age narrative set against the backdrop of contemporary British Muslim life. Whether you are a theatre enthusiast, a fan of nuanced storytelling, or simply curious about the dynamics of community and spiritual reflection, 10 Nights promises a thought-provoking, entertaining, and utterly human night at the theatre. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation—secure your tickets now and witness a production destined to spark dialogue, evoke laughter, and inspire empathy across the UK.
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2025 TOUR DATES
Wed 8 – Sun 26 January
Press night: Monday 13 January, 7pm
RIVERSIDE STUDIOS
101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9BN
Visit Riverside Studio
Mon 27 – Tue 28 January
DERBY THEATRE
15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Visit Derby Theatre
Thu 30 January – Sat 1 February
THE LOWRY
Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
Visit The Lowry
Tue 4 – Wed 5 February
LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE
Queen’s Square, Queen St, Huddersfield HD1 2SP
Visit Lawrence Batley Theatre
Thu 6 – Sat 8 February
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
Visit Birmingham Hippodrome
AWARD RECOGNITION
The 2024 production of 10 Nights received the following accolades:
• Offies: Best Solo Performance in a Play for Azan Ahmed
• Eastern Eye ACTAs: Best Director
• Eastern Eye ACTAs: Best Stage Production