The world premiere production of Planet Omar, adapted by Asif Khan from Zanib Mian’s beloved children’s books, lands at Birmingham Rep from Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June 2026.
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.
This production is perfect for families and school groups, promising to be a joyful, vibrant and hugely entertaining adventure for the whole family, brimming with warmth, humour – and delightful puppets.
Director Sameena Hussain said: “Sharing Planet Omar with audiences on stage for the very first time feels like a magical adventure – and I’m so proud to have this wonderful group of people by my side.
“Building Omar’s world with this incredible cast and creative team is going to be an absolute joy. I can’t wait for us to explore this funny, theatrical, deeply human story together; discovering the power of friendship, family and imagination as we create our own beautiful connections in the rehearsal room.”
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; and Casting Director Lucy Casson CDG.
The first book in Zanib Mian’sPlanet Omar series wasillustrated 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.
The production is presented by Leeds Playhouse, in association with Birmingham Rep and Unicorn Theatre.