The production is set to open its tour at the Omnibus Theatre from the 7th to the 21st February.
Phizzical has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming UK tour of Shahid Iqbal Khan’s Olivier Award- nominated play, 10 Nights. Azan Ahmed will lead as the role of Yasser, in this one-man production of one man’s spiritual journey of self-discovery and faith.
Azan Ahmed started his career in the Almeida Young Company and moved on to the Bush Theatre Company. He can currently be seen in season three of ITV’s Van Der Valk, as Eddie Suleman, and earlier this year in ITVX’s new comedy Count Abdulla. Azan’s other theatre credits include, The Tempest at Shakespeare’s Globe, Conspiracy at The New Diorama Theatre, and Cacophony at The Yard Theatre. Alongside his work as an actor, Azan is a poet/playwright and founder of Deen & Dunya, a poetry initiative elevating Muslim voices.
When Yasser decides to take part in itikaf, sleeping and fasting in the mosque for the last ten nights of Ramadan, he soon regrets his decision. But as he navigates smug worshippers, shared bathrooms, and recurring thoughts of chunky chips, Yasser’s isolation forces him to confront a side of himself he’s been trying to keep hidden.
The production is directed by Sâmir Bhamra (Bombay Superstar, UK Tour) who is the founder and artistic director of Phizzical Productions, as well as being the creative director of the UK Asian Film Festival.
Azan Ahmed commented: “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to work on 10 Nights. Shahid’s beautifully honest play is so full of heart, humour and hope – all things that Muslims have always possessed, but rarely get a chance to show. I’m thrilled by the challenge of a solo show, and can’t wait to bring this gorgeous story across the UK.”
Costume design will be led by Simron Sabri (Wonderous Stories, Commonwealth Games 2022; Roshni, Birmingham Hippodrome), with sound design from musician and composer, Sarah Sayeed (Santi and Naz; Edinburgh Fringe; Richard II, The Globe) and Reuben Cook who has worked in-house at Oxford Playhouse, Sadler’s Wells and Hackney Empire. Video projections will be from London-based comic, illustrator and artist Rudi Okasili-Henry, with lighting design from Rajiv Pattani (Trueman and the Arsonists, Roundhouse; Strategic Love Play, Paines PloughRoundabout).
To find out more and to book tickets visit: https://www.phizzical.com/show/10-nights/