The P Word
Tickets From £18

The Olivier Award-winning and critically acclaimed story of hope and romance returns for a strictly limited run, with Emmy-winner Tan France (Queer Eye) attached as Producer.

The enduringly relevant story of a romance blossoming against all odds broke Box Office records in 2022, and now returns with its original cast and creative team.

‘I’m not in your Britain. I’m in another Britain.’

Zafar flees homophobic persecution in Pakistan to seek asylum in the UK. Londoner Bilal (self-styled as ‘Billy’) is ground down by years of Grindr and the complexity of being a brown gay man. Their worlds are about to change forever.

Moving through casual hook-ups to the UK’s hostile environment, Waleed Akhtar’s sharp-witted and devastating play charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men.

Directed by Theatre503 Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike. Original cast members Esh Alladi (Bridgerton) and Waleed Akhtar (The Great) return.

Closing

27/06/2026

Running Time

1h15

Genre

Drama

Age & Content

14+

Cast:

Waleed Akhtar as

Billy

Esh Alladi as

Zafar

Creative:

Writer -

Waleed Akhtar

Director -

Anthony Simpson-Pike

Set & Costume Designer -

Max Johns

Composer -

Niraj Chag

Lighting Designer -

Elliot Griggs

Sound Designer -

XANA

Movement Director -

Rachael Nanyonjo

Casting Director -

Jatinder Chera

Book The P Word Tickets

No accessibility performances are currently scheduled for this show.

Frequently asked questions

The P Word is playing at Bush Theatre in London. Your ticket selection will show available performance dates and times, and you can book securely online via Official London Theatre. For the smoothest experience, pick a performance from the calendar and book early for popular dates.
Zafar flees homophobic persecution in Pakistan to seek asylum in the UK. Londoner Bilal (self-styled as ‘Billy’) is ground down by years of Grindr and the complexity of being a brown gay man. Their worlds are about to change forever.
The running time for The P Word is 1h15. Duration can occasionally vary slightly by performance, but this is the listed length for the production.
The P Word is recommended for ages 14+. If you’re bringing younger theatregoers, it’s worth considering themes and attention span alongside the age guidance. Some venues also have their own admission policies, so it can help to double-check requirements before you travel.
The P Word opens on 28th May 2026 and is currently scheduled to run until 27th June 2026. If you’re planning a trip or booking for a specific week, check the performance calendar for dates and availability, as popular performances can sell faster closer to the run.
Tickets for The P Word go on sale from 10th March 2026. If you’re looking for the widest choice of seats and dates, booking early is usually best - especially for weekends and peak travel periods. Once on sale, you can select a performance and complete your booking online.
You can buy tickets for The P Word online through Official London Theatre. Choose your preferred performance in the calendar, select seats if available, and complete your purchase securely.
The P Word features a cast including Waleed Akhtar (Billy), Esh Alladi (Zafar). Casting can vary by date, so if you’re booking specifically to see a particular performer, it’s worth checking any casting notes for your chosen performance.
The P Word is written by Waleed Akhtar and this production is directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike. The creative team shapes the tone, pacing and staging style, so if you’re choosing shows based on writers or directors you love, these credits can help you decide whether The P Word is the right pick.
There isn’t a strict dress code for London theatre, so wear whatever you’ll feel comfortable and confident in. Most people go for smart casual - think jeans or trousers with a nice top, a casual dress, or a shirt and trainers. If you’re heading to an evening show, on a date, or celebrating something, you might fancy dressing up a bit more, but it’s completely optional.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time helps keep things smooth and stress-free, giving you plenty of time to collect tickets, go through security, and get settled in your seat before the performance begins.