🎭 The P Word
📍Bush Theatre
🎟️ Gifted
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Waleed Akhtar’s Olivier Award-winning play returns to the Bush Theatre after four years – and it’s just as powerful as I remember.
The P Word follows two gay Pakistani men as their worlds collide. We meet Zafar (Esh Alladi), a gay man who flees homophobic persecution in Pakistan after his boyfriend is tragically murdered. Ahktar performs as Bilal (though he prefers Billy!), a Pakistani-Londoner who spends his time at the gym and constantly swiping on apps for hook-ups, mostly with white men.
Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike, the production draws upon Bilal and Zafar’s parallel lives. As the characters narrate their journeys directly to the audience, Max John’s set design wonderfully portrays their separate lives, with a split circular stage. Zafar shares the harrowing experiences he faced back home, his estranged family, and the reality of the UK’s hostile asylum system. Bilal, meanwhile, boasts about the men he gets with, though we learn he’s never had a long-term relationship and hints at an internalised shame.
We’re at a nightclub during Pride, where Zafar is attempting to integrate into the LGBTQ+ community, while Bilal is partying and getting drunk with colleagues. The pair have an awkward encounter that leads to an unexpected yet endearing end to their night. From this point on, we watch their friendship blossom. Bilal takes Zafar sightseeing around London, exhibitions, and cinemas, while Zafar crafts handmade items for Bilal and reintroduces him to his love of Bollywood dramas. At just 90 minutes, the play explores themes like homophobia, racism, love and identity. The pair seem more similar than they think; both open up about family, religion, being queer and Pakistani.
Akhtar’s writing is incredibly witty, with dialogue that feels so authentic, paired with the engaging performances from Ahktar and Alladi. I loved the banter between them, especially during the scenes where Bilal teaches Zafar modern slang. Akhtar performs Bilal with humour, charisma and a ‘tough-guy’ bravado. He uses self-deprecating humour about his own culture, often using derogatory terms, alluding to a sense of insecurity.
Alladi is a wonderful storyteller, delivering a performance packed with real emotion. He carries the weight of trauma and grief, and yet remains warm, hopeful, and completely selfless. It is genuinely both moving and heartbreaking to watch. Together, Alladi and Akhtar are outstanding, with magnetic chemistry and a natural stage presence. The production draws you in, and I found myself emotionally invested in their beautiful relationship. There are plenty of hilarious moments, with the duo showcasing their brilliant comedic timing. I also appreciated the balance of the quieter, more vulnerable moments. Elliot Grigg’s lighting design makes subtle transitions to evoke the tonal shifts. Throughout the play, we are reminded of the difficult experiences queer asylum seekers face. The story remains pertinent, and I noticed the script has had small updates, with scene and dialogue changes, reflecting recent events and the overall state of our society.
While I appreciated the pace of Bilal and Zafar’s friendship developing into something more, I found myself hoping there had been more time to explore their romantic relationship. Nonetheless, it was still beautiful to watch their connection grow! The play acknowledges that there isn’t always a happy, rom-com-style ending, highlighting that not all LGBTQ+ asylum seekers have the same opportunities as Zafar.
Overall, The P Word is captivating! It remains a powerful, thought-provoking, heartfelt and real play. I am so happy it’s back on stage. I left with goosebumps, grateful to have watched this brilliant cast & creative team share an important story about the realities LGBTQ+ asylum seekers face. You will laugh, you may even cry, but you will leave feeling moved.
The P Word is playing at Bush Theare until 27 June
English