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From Thursday 22 May to Saturday 21 June, London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre will stage Marriage Material, a thought-provoking and heartfelt theatre adaptation of Sathnam Sanghera’s critically acclaimed novel. This production shines a light on the complexities of family life within a British Asian community, focusing on the hopes, struggles, and dreams of two very different sisters. As they each pursue contrasting futures, the play explores the delicate balance between cultural tradition and modern ambition.
Marriage Material centres on a British Asian family caught between old customs and new possibilities. The two headstrong daughters, each with a unique vision for their lives, represent the diverse experiences of young British Asians today. One daughter embraces the expectations of her cultural heritage, while the other pushes against those boundaries, seeking independence and self-determination. Their journey highlights the tensions that can arise when generational values clash with personal desires.
Sathnam Sanghera’s novel has been widely praised for its authentic and nuanced portrayal of British Asian life. This stage adaptation captures that same spirit, using sharp dialogue, humour, and emotional depth to explore universal themes of love, identity, and family loyalty. It invites audiences to consider how cultural heritage shapes us and the challenges of forging one’s own path amid expectations from family and society.
The production offers a rare and important perspective in contemporary British theatre, making it a valuable experience for audiences from all backgrounds. The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, known for showcasing bold and diverse storytelling, provides the perfect setting for this intimate yet powerful drama. With its vibrant characters and relatable conflicts, Marriage Material promises to engage viewers and spark meaningful conversations about identity, culture, and the future of multicultural Britain.
Tickets are available now for performances running from 22 May to 21 June at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, located at Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL. For more details and to book tickets, visit www.lyric.co.uk.
Whether you are a fan of family dramas, interested in British Asian narratives, or simply looking for an engaging theatre experience, Marriage Material offers a fresh and timely story that resonates deeply in today’s society.
London is set to host an unforgettable night of spiritual depth and musical brilliance as the renowned Sufi qawwali ensemble Fanna-Fi-Allah brings their celebrated performance to Union Chapel on Friday, 27 June. Located at 19b Compton Terrace, the historic and acoustically rich venue in Islington will come alive with the passionate, poetic and soul-stirring sounds of qawwali — a centuries-old devotional music tradition rooted in the mystical practices of Sufism. This much-anticipated concert promises to be a transcendent cultural experience, fusing ancient rhythm, powerful vocals and heartfelt devotion in a way that deeply resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Fanna-Fi-Allah, an ensemble revered across continents for their authentic interpretations of classical qawwali, continues to preserve and elevate this spiritual art form with integrity and passion. With decades of dedication and training under legendary qawwals in Pakistan and India, the group has become one of the most respected global ambassadors of Sufi music. Their performances are marked by an electrifying blend of tabla, harmonium, handclaps and rich vocal harmonies that build to ecstatic crescendos — transporting listeners into a meditative and emotional state known in the Sufi tradition as haal.
The ensemble’s name, Fanna-Fi-Allah, translates to “annihilation in the divine,” reflecting the central Sufi concept of dissolving the ego in union with the divine presence. This philosophy echoes through every note they sing, drawing from the works of revered Sufi poets such as Rumi, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow and Kabir. The group’s musical journey is not merely performance but devotion — a sacred offering intended to uplift and connect hearts across linguistic, cultural and spiritual boundaries.
Over the years, Fanna-Fi-Allah has performed at some of the world’s leading world music festivals and venues, including in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Asia. Their London appearance offers UK audiences a rare opportunity to witness the spiritual intensity and cultural richness of qawwali performed with deep respect for its origins. This performance at Union Chapel — a space renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance — will only enhance the depth of the experience.
As interest in spiritual and world music continues to grow, events like this serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of sacred traditions. In a time when many seek moments of stillness, connection and meaning, the devotional energy of Fanna-Fi-Allah’s qawwali offers something more than entertainment — it offers healing, remembrance, and transcendence.
Tickets and event details are available at www.unionchapel.org.uk. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this rare and powerful musical gathering — one that bridges centuries of Sufi tradition with the vibrancy of modern global audiences.
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