A Thousand Splendid Suns to Tour in 2027
Following a sell-out run in 2025, we are ecstatic to announce that our acclaimed production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, previously co-produced with Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse, will embark on a national tour in Spring 2027 beginning at here at The Rep from 29 January.
Based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, and adapted for the stage by Ursula Rani Sarma, A Thousand Splendid Suns will be directed by Kimberley Sykes and will be the welcome return of Rina Fatania (The Misanthrope, National Theatre; The Buddha of Suburbia, RSC) to reprise her role as Mariam once again, as well as Set and Costume designer Simon Kenny. Full cast and creative team to be announced.
In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife.
Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies.
Rina Fatania (Mariam), Humera Syed (Young Mariam, Aziza), Kerena Jagpal (Laila) in A Thousand Splendid Suns (2025 production). Photo: EllieKurttz
Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel, which has sold over 38 million copies, is the powerful story of three generations of women discovering strength in unity and finding hope in the unlikeliest of places. Set in a war-torn 1992 Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns is the unflinching tale of survival, resilience and strength of human spirit.
After opening at Birmingham Rep (29 January-13 February), the tour will then visit:
Chichester Festival Theatre (16-20 February);
Liverpool Playhouse (23-27 February);
Bath Theatre Royal (2-6 March);
Theatr Clwyd (8-13 March);
Cambridge Arts Theatre (15-20 March);
Richmond Theatre (22-27 March);
Nottingham Playhouse (5-10 April);
On sale soon: Leeds Playhouse (13-17 April)
Oxford Playhouse (19-24 April);
Darlington Hippodrome (4-8 May);
Poole Lighthouse (11-15 May);
and Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (25-29 May).
With more dates to be announced.
Humera Syed (Young Mariam, Aziza) and Rina Fatania (Mariam) in A Thousand Splendid Suns (2025 production). Photo: EllieKurttz
Kimberley Sykes, who directs, said: “It’s an honour to be asked to direct this courageous and vital piece of storytelling. Ursula’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s seismic novel burns with defiance and soothes with humanity. Now, five years into the Taliban’s current rule and women’s rights in Afghanistan at crisis point, this play seems more urgent than ever. To take this story around the UK, with an exceptional creative team and powerhouse leading performer in Rina Fatania, feels creatively invigorating and profoundly meaningful.”
Joe Murphy, Artistic Director, Birmingham Rep said: ““A Thousand Splendid Suns played to packed houses here in Birmingham in 2025, and I’m thrilled and proud that The Rep is taking this deeply affecting piece of theatre on the road as part of a national tour in 2027.”
Rina Fatania plays Mariam. Rina’s extensive theatre credits include: The Misanthrope (National Theatre), Hedda (Orange Tree Theatre), The Buddha of Suburbia, The Empress (RSC), Crazy For You (Gillian Lynne Theatre), The Killing of Sister George (New Vic Theatre), The Art of Illusion (Hampstead Theatre), Favour (Bush Theatre), The Man In The White Suit (Wyndham’s Theatre) and Dead Dog in a Suitcase (UK and International Tour/Kneehigh Theatre Company). TV credits include: Man Like Mobeen, Nolly, Too Close, People Just Do Nothing, Wanderlust and MummyJi Presents.
Kimberley Sykes’ directing credits include Piaf (Watermill Theatre, winner of Best New Production of a Play at BroadwayWorld UK Awards) and Dido Queen of Carthage (RSC, UK Theatre Award nomination for Best Director). Other credits include Children of the Night (Mad Friday Productions / Southwark Playhouse), The Land Of Might-Have-Been (Buxton Festival / Norwich Theatre), Rough Girls (Lyric Theatre, Belfast), Romeo and Juliet (Open Air Theatre), and As You Like It and The Whip (RSC).
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a Birmingham Rep production
Original production produced by Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse.