Out-of-this-World Cast Announcement
Even with the Spring Half Term now behind us, our family-friendly programming is still going strong! Joining this year’s Spring-Summer shows, we’ve joined forces with our friends at Leeds Playhouse (A Thousand Splendid Suns and Small Island) and Unicorn Theatre (Anansi the Spider) to bring our next out-of-this-world co-production, Planet Omar, to The House stage this June!
We’re so excited for award-winning playwright Asif Khan (who you may recognise from SILENCE back in 2024) to brings Zanib Mian’s beloved children’s books to life in this world premiere production, and today, the magical cast who’ll be diving into the dynamic and delightfully chaotic world of an 8-year-old accidental trouble magnet has been announced!
The original Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet book is published by Hachette Children’s Group from whom Leeds Playhouse acquired the stage rights.
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 Coventry’s own 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’s Planet Omar series was illustrated 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.
Step into the fantastically chaotic world of Planet Omar…
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 courage, kindness, and a little help from his family and new best friend Charlie, Omar discovers his not-so-average imagination is his greatest strength.
This world premiere production is a joyful and funny celebration of empathy, community, and resilience. With dynamic storytelling, playful visuals, and a heart-warming message, Planet Omar invites audiences of all ages to laugh, reflect, and cheer for a hero who dares to dream big, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Perfect for families and school groups, this adaptation is a powerful reminder that imagination can be a superpower, and that friendship and understanding can change the world.