"It's been such a special experience for all of us"
Leeds Playhouse has released the first look of Peanut Butter & Blueberries, the hit debut play by Leeds-born playwright and poet Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan.
Directed by Sameena Hussain, the production stars Humera Syed as Hafsah and Kashif Ghole as Bilal.
The pair bring the contemporary love story to audiences in the Courtyard Theatre, exploring the complexities of relationships, faith, family and identity, running until November 7, 2026.
The production marks a homecoming for both Manzoor-Khan, who was Writer-in-Residence at Leeds Playhouse in 2021-22, and Hussain, who previously served as Associate Director at the theatre.
Hussain returned earlier in 2026 to direct the world premiere of Planet Omar, which has been nominated for Best Stage Production at the 2026 Asian Media Awards.
Speaking about the production, 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.”
Peanut Butter & Blueberries follows Hafsah and Bilal, two university students in London who are far from their respective homes in Bradford and Birmingham.
While Hafsah is focused on her faith, books and ambitions, Bilal is simply trying to get through his degree.
Their lives take an unexpected turn when a peanut butter and blueberry sandwich brings them together.
However, as their ambitions and lives begin to pull them in different directions, their relationship faces challenges shaped by faith, family, injustice and the realities of the world around them.
The play explores growing up, finding a sense of belonging and navigating unexpected feelings when life is far from straightforward.
Alongside the performances, Leeds Playhouse is providing prayer spaces before and after shows, in addition to its existing multi-faith reflection space.
A dedicated non-alcoholic bar is also available throughout the run.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Khadija Raza, lighting designer Rajiv Pattani, sound designer Helen Skiera, movement director Natasha Harrison, dialect coach Gurkiran Kaur, original casting director Julia Horan CDG and Leeds casting director Lucy Casson CDG.
Peanut Butter & Blueberries is running at Leeds Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre until November 7.
