By Grace Hatchell, The Postie With The Mostie
Grace has taken a very deep breath. One of those proper backstage ones where you fill your lungs, steady your cap, and prepare to announce something rather special.
Because Village, this one is big.
An out-of-this-world cast and creative team have been announced for Planet Omar, the stage adaptation of Zanib Mian’s beloved children’s books, brought to life by award-winning playwright Asif Khan in a world premiere production from Leeds Playhouse, in association with Birmingham Rep and Unicorn Theatre.
Yes. That’s a lovely little trio of theatre powerhouses right there.
If you haven’t yet met Omar, he’s an eight-year-old accidental trouble magnet with a wild imagination and an even bigger heart. The original Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet was published by Hachette Children’s Group and has quietly become a firm favourite with young readers who like their humour served with heart.
Now he’s stepping off the page and onto the stage.
Directed by Sameena Hussain, this playful family-friendly production begins its journey at Leeds Playhouse in April, heads to the Unicorn Theatre in May, and arrives at Birmingham Rep from Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 June.
And what a cast to carry him.
Justin Kendal-Sadiq, familiar to many young audiences as Andy Stevens in CBBC’s BAFTA-winning Secret Life of Boys, takes on the role of Omar. Expect energy. Expect imagination. Possibly expect chaos of the very charming variety.
Joining him are Umar Butt as Dad, Isobel Coward as Charlie, Emaan Durrani making her professional stage debut as Daniel and Maryam, Joanna Holden as Mrs Rodgers and Mrs Hutchinson, and Aizah Khan as Mum. A proper ensemble, ready to build Omar’s world brick by theatrical brick.
Behind the scenes, the creative team reads like a carefully assembled constellation. Adapter Asif Khan. Director Sameena Hussain. Set, costume and puppet design from Nikki Charlesworth. Lighting by Sam Osborne. Sound and composition from Helen Skiera. Associate lighting design by Ryan Dunnett. Casting by Lucy Casson CDG. It takes a village to build a planet, after all.
Zanib Mian’s books have long been praised for their humour, authentic Muslim representation and sense of adventure. Planet Omar: Operation Kind was selected for World Book Day in 2021, and the series often sits proudly alongside favourites like Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Stories that feel contemporary, inclusive and gloriously alive.
And that is precisely why this feels like such a fitting addition to the Village noticeboard.
Because Theatre Village has always championed stories that open doors for young audiences. Stories that reflect the communities sitting in the stalls. Stories that remind children their imagination is not something to outgrow but something to hold onto fiercely.
Planet Omar promises laughter, friendship, family, and the quiet reminder that understanding one another can change the world. Not bad for an accidental trouble magnet.
Tickets for the Birmingham Rep run are on sale now. If you’re looking for a summer outing with genuine heart and a bit of theatrical sparkle, this might just be your golden ticket.
Grace will be watching this one very closely.
After all, every great theatre lover starts somewhere.
And sometimes, it starts on Planet Omar.
To book simply visit Birmingham Rep at birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 (Monday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Saturdays 12pm to 6pm, or 4pm if there is no evening performance scheduled).
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