People of Theatre

Watching "Peanut Butter & Blueberries" was an experience that left me both entertained and deeply reflective. This charming and thought-provoking play, written by Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of young British Muslims navigating love and identity in contemporary London.

The story follows Bilal and Hafsah, two students at SOAS, who couldn’t be more different on the surface. Bilal, with his thick Brummie accent and tough family background, and Hafsah, a serious student of Gender Studies from a more privileged background, seem an unlikely pair. Yet, they bond over the titular peanut butter and blueberry sandwich, a quirky metaphor for their unlikely connection.

What I loved most about this play was its delicate exploration of their relationship, which unfolds with a tenderness that is both touching and realistic. The chemistry between Usaamah Ibraheem Hussain (Bilal) and Humera Syed (Hafsah) was so palpable and sweet that it genuinely gave me butterflies.

I found interesting how the writer observes the boundaries of their faith—there’s no physical contact, but the emotions are conveyed through glances, smiles, and subtle body language. The play’s strength lies in these quiet, intimate moments that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. It reminded me of the nervous thrill of falling in love for the first time.

The play also subtly addresses the realities of being a Muslim in Britain today, weaving in moments that highlight the challenges of navigating a world where Islamophobia is a persistent threat. These elements are handled with care, adding depth to the characters without overshadowing the warmth of the central romance.

This is a story not just about love, but about the importance of seeing and valuing each other’s differences as well as similarities

Giuliano x