News.
FIRST LOOK: Peanut Butter & Blueberries at Leeds Playhouse
27th October 2026
Acclaimed contemporary story exploring faith, family and what happens when real love and real life collide runs in the Courtyard Theatre at the Playhouse until 7 November.
Leeds Playhouse has released new production images for Peanut Butter & Blueberries – the hit debut play by playwright and poet Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan.
Director Sameena Hussain, her talented creative team, and actors Humera Syed (A Thousand Splendid Suns, Birmingham Rep; Expendable, Royal Court; Anita & Me, UK Tour), who plays Hafsah, and Kashif Ghole (Blue Mist, UK Tour, Boundless; Life of Pi, Asia Tour; Brown Boys Swim, UK Tour, North Wall), who plays Bilal, are now sharing this incredible play with audiences in the Courtyard Theatre at Leeds Playhouse until 7 Nov.
The play marks something of a homecoming for both Suhiaymah, who is from Leeds and was Writer-in-Residence at the Playhouse in 2021–22, and Sameena, who was Associate Director at the Playhouse and returned earlier this year to direct the world premiere of Planet Omar, which has been nominated as Best Stage Production at the 2026 Asian Media Awards.
Director Sameena Hussain said: “It’s so exciting to be able to share the warmth, tenderness, and brilliant banter of this wonderful play with audiences in Leeds. It’s been such a special experience for all of us – we hope people love Hafsah and Bilal as much as we do.”
Hafsah and Bilal aren’t looking for love. They’re at uni in London, far from home in Bradford and Brum; figuring out who they are and where they’re going. Hafsah has her faith, her books and big ambitions. Bilal is just trying to get through his degree. When a peanut butter and blueberry sandwich brings them together, an unexpected connection begins.
But there’s much more to Hafsah and Bilal’s story. As their lives and ambitions pull them in different directions, faith, family, injustice and the realities of the world around them begin to test what they’ve found in each other.
Full of unexpected laughs – and unexpected tears – Peanut Butter & Blueberries is a sharp, contemporary story about growing up, finding your people and navigating catching feelings for someone when life is anything but straightforward.
Prayer spaces are available before and after performances, alongside the Playhouse’s existing multi-faith reflection space. There is also a dedicated non-alcoholic bar throughout the run.
The creative team comprises Director Sameena Hussain, Writer Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, Set & Costume Designer Khadija Raza, Lighting Designer Rajiv Pattani, Sound Designer Helen Skiera, Movement Director Natasha Harrison, Dialect Coach Gurkiran Kaur, Original Casting Julia Horan CDG and Leeds Casting Lucy Casson CDG.
Listings info
A Leeds Playhouse production, based on the Kiln Theatre production
Peanut Butter & Blueberries
Courtyard Theatre, Leeds Playhouse
22 October – 7 November
Press night: Tuesday 27 October, 7.15pm
Age guidance 12+
Duration 85 mins (no interval)
Call box office 0113 213 7700
Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk