News.
NEW PRODUCTION IMAGES for world premiere of Planet Omar, an out of this world adventure for all the family
13th April 2026
Award-winning playwright Asif Khan brings Zanib Mian’s beloved children’s books to life in joyful new production from Leeds Playhouse, in association with Unicorn Theatre and Birmingham Rep.
Magical new production images show the wonderful world of Planet Omar brought to life on stage for the first time ever at Leeds Playhouse. The beautiful photographs give audiences their first glimpse of the dynamic and delightfully chaotic world of the 8-year-old accidental trouble magnet in Zanib Mian’s beloved series of books.
Bradford playwright Asif Khan’s adaptation, directed by Sameena Hussain, features music and puppets in an exciting reimagining of the original Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet book, published by Hachette Children’s Group from whom Leeds Playhouse acquired the stage rights.
This playful family-friendly show enjoys its world premiere in the Courtyard Theatre at Leeds Playhouse from 7 – 25 April before transferring to the Unicorn Theatre from 21 May – 7 June and Birmingham Rep from 17 – 21 June.
Director Sameena Hussain said: “I’m so proud of the entire cast and creative team who have worked together with such joy, curiosity and kindness to bring this incredible story to the stage. We’re thrilled that we’re now able to share Planet Omar with audiences. We hope they enjoy this big-hearted, funny, life-affirming show as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”
Justin Kendal-Sadiq, who will be familiar to young audiences from his role as Andy Stevens in CBBC’s BAFTA-winning Secret Life of Boys, plays Omar, an eight-year-old with a wild imagination, a big heart and a knack for getting into trouble.
Completing the cast are Umar Butt (A Teaspoon of Shampoo, Theatre in the Mill; The Jungle Book, Theatre by the Lake; Macbeth, Proteus Theatre Company) as Dad; Isobel Coward (As You Like It, Northern Broadsides; Decades 1980s: Nicer Than Orange Squash, Leeds Playhouse; Macbeth, Grange Theatre) as Charlie; Emaan Durrani (Jealous People are Ugly People, BBC Three) is making her professional stage debut as Daniel/Maryam; Joanna Holden (Pride & Prejudice, Bolton Octagon; Brassed Off, Stephen Joseph Theatre; Pinocchio, Hull Truck) as Mrs Rodgers/Mrs Hutchinson; and Aizah Khan (Life of Pi, UK & International Tour; Bradford Rise, City Of Culture 2025; WILD, UK Tour) as Mum.
The full creative team includes Adapter Asif Khan; Director Sameena Hussain; Set, Costume & Puppet Design/Puppet Director Nikki Charlesworth; Lighting Designer Sam Osborne; Sound Designer & Composer Helen Skiera; Associate Lighting Designer Ryan Dunnett; Movement Director Zoe Katsilerou; Fight Director Kenan Ali; and Casting Director Lucy Casson CDG.
Planet Omar follows the adventures of an 8-year-old British Pakistani Muslim boy with a wild imagination, a big heart, and a knack for getting into trouble.
When Omar’s family moves to a new neighbourhood, he faces a whirlwind of challenges: a new school, an unfriendly neighbour, and a bully who makes every day feel like a battle. But with a little help from his family, best friend Charlie, and a very friendly dragon, Omar discovers his not-so-average imagination is his greatest strength.
Keep your eyes peeled for a gigantic piece of cheese, walking food, and dreams springing to life. Let your imagination run wild with this joyful, vibrant and hugely entertaining adventure for the whole family, brimming with warmth, humour – and delightful puppets!
This world premiere production tells an important and relevant story for all ages that celebrates empathy, community, and resilience.
The first book in Zanib Mian’s Planet Omar series was illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik and published in 2019 by Hachette Children’s Group. Her award-winning children’s stories have been praised for their blend of humour, authentic Muslim representation, and adventure. Planet Omar: Operation Kind was selected for World Book Day in 2021, Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet was chosen as CBBC’s Book of the Month in June 2019 and the series is frequently recommended alongside bestselling titles like Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, positioning it as a must-read for young fans of humorous, illustrated fiction.
Planet Omar is perfect for families and school groups. This adaptation is a powerful reminder that imagination can be a superpower, and that friendship and understanding can change the world.
Throughout the run of Planet Omar at Leeds Playhouse, there will be prayer spaces available pre-and post-show, as well as a dedicated non-alcoholic bar with family-friendly drinks and snacks.
Listings information
A production by Leeds Playhouse, in association with the Unicorn Theatre and Birmingham Rep
Planet Omar
Based on the book by Zanib Mian
Adapted by Asif Khan
Age guide 7+
Leeds Playhouse
7 – 25 April
Access Performances
Leeds Playhouse
Audio Described + Touch Tour: Wed 22 Apr, 1pm; Thu 23 Apr, 6pm
BSL interpreted: Fri 10 Apr, 6pm; Sat 18 Apr, 1.30pm
Captioned: Sat 18 Apr, 1.30pm; Tue 21 Apr, 6pm
Access productions at Leeds Playhouse are sponsored by Principal and Access Partner Irwin Mitchell
Throughout the run of Planet Omar at Leeds Playhouse, there will be prayer spaces available pre-and post-show, as well as a dedicated non-alcoholic bar with family-friendly drinks and snacks.