Salford, 1971. The Khan family are living above a chip shop and on the fault line between two cultures.
George Khan is determined the family is raised his Pakistani way. His English wife, Ella, just wants to keep the peace. Their seven children? They’re busy discovering disco, denim, and defiance.
When George begins arranging marriages for his sons, rebellion erupts and loyalties are tested. What follows is a hilarious and deeply moving battle between tradition and change.
Ayub Khan-Din’s modern classic blends razor-sharp comedy with moments of shocking honesty. East Is East is a story about identity, generational conflict, and the messy, unbreakable bonds of family.
Come for the laughs. Stay for the heart.
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Help & Support
Domestic Abuse
East Is East explores family relationships, conflict, control and cultural expectations. The production includes themes and scenes relating to domestic abuse and violence which some audience members may find distressing.
If anything you see or hear during the performance affects you, or reflects experiences in your own life, support and information are available.
For information about local and national services for people affected by domestic abuse, please visit Derby City Life Links.
Find information and support: Derby City Life Links – Domestic Violence and Crime
Racism
East Is East explores themes of race, culture, identity, prejudice and family conflict. We recognise that some of the language, attitudes and experiences represented within the production may be upsetting or uncomfortable.
Derby Theatre is proud to have signed up to No Place for Hate Derby, standing alongside organisations across the city to make clear that hate, discrimination, bullying and harassment will not be tolerated.
We are committed to promoting dignity, equality and respect, and to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
If you experience or witness a hate incident while visiting Derby Theatre, including racism, discrimination, harassment or abuse, please speak to a member of our team. Our staff can support you and help you access information about reporting what has happened.
A hate incident is any incident perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by prejudice or hatred, including because of someone’s race, colour or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, gender or gender identity, sexuality, disability, lifestyle or dress.
Together, we are stronger. With one voice, we stand with Derby in saying there is No Place for Hate.
For more information about reporting a hate incident, please visit: Derby City Council’s hate crime information page.
/“Funny, poignant and packed with characters”Opening Night
/“A surprisingly funny and relevant piece of work, three decades on.”The Guardian
/“A strong revival with recognisable situations and conflicts for anyone who has ever been part of a family”British Theatre Guide
/“East Is East storms back onto the stage with all the fire, humour, and heart that made it a modern classic.”Manchester Theatres
/“Manages to balance cracking humour without diminishing the serious issues raised”Northern Arts Review
/“East Is East still has the capacity to make us laugh — and then make some of us question exactly what it is we are laughing at.”North West End
/“Performed by a talented cast who each bring energy to their characters and build a world which the audience can truly invest in.”All That Dazzles
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Meet the Cast
Bhasker Patel
George
Samantha Power
Ella
Zaki Ali
Tariq
Victoria Brazier
Auntie Annie
Sushil Chudasama
Doctor/ Mr Shah
Maya Dhokia
Meenah
Matthew Khan
Saleem
Joeravar Sangha
Maneer
Danyal Ismail
Abdul
Rohan MacLeod
Sajit
Zoe Iqbal
Off-stage female swing
Rahul Sidhu
Off-stage male swing
Creatives
Ayub Khan Din
Writer
Kash Arshad
Director
Rachana Jadhav
Designer
Olivia Barr
Casting Director
Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn
Casting Director
Jane Lalljee
Lighting Designer
Kaitlin Howard
Fight Director
Jennifer Kay
Movement Director
Natalie Grady
Dialect Coach
BIG SAVINGS – once they are gone, they are gone.
BIG SAVINGS – once they are gone, they are gone.
Book by 10 July to receive 10% off your total booking, valid on all performances and all seats. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or discount.
Ticket Types & Prices
Friends
- Book by 10 July to receive 15% off tickets, valid across all seating bands and all performances.
Groups
- 25% off for groups of 10 or more, available on all weekday performances and prices bands.
Schools
- £17.50 per person for groups of 10 or more, plus one free ticket for every 11 purchased, when booked and paid for by 10 July. Valid on weekday performances only.