Duration
2 hrs with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until June 22, 2025
Age limit
Suitable for 14+ yrs
Why Watch Marriage Material?
- If you've ever tried to escape your roots only to trip over them on the way out, Marriage Material is all about the immigrant experience with its too-real depiction of a British-Asian family
- Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (A Kind of People) brings her unflinching eye to Sathnam Sanghera’s (Empireland) heartfelt novel, crafting a story that’s deeply personal and universally resonant.
- Under the direction of Iqbal Khan (East Is East), Marriage Material captures the quiet heartbreak of family duty and identity
- Spanning two timelines, the story delves into the lives of the Bains family, offering a rich tapestry of relationships, aspirations, and cultural dynamics in a tiny corner shop.
- No matter how far you can run, you can never outrun home as “Arjan's legacy is the same for so many of us, the balancing of duty versus desire”(The Guardian about the novel*)* Book your tickets for a fresh, hilarious, and heartbreaking sho
Marriage Material is a poignant and timely adaptation of Sathnam Sanghera’s acclaimed novel, brought to life by the award-winning playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti and visionary director Iqbal Khan (East is East). Bhatti, renowned for her fearless storytelling in works like Behzti winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize- and A Kind of People, brings her sharp insight into family dynamics and cultural identity to this production.
Sanghera’s Marriage Material has been lauded for its incisive exploration of the British-Asian experience, earning shortlist nominations for both the Costa First Novel Award and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Literature. With its rich storytelling and universal themes, Marriage Material stands as a testament to the resilience of communities and the lives they build.
Storyline
“In our shops we will be Kings of England. And we will make this place our place.”
At the heart of Marriage Material is a small family-run corner shop in Wolverhampton, where past and present collide, and the weight of family legacy is impossible to ignore.In 1969, Mrs. Bains is doing everything: running the shop, caring for her husband, and managing two fiercely independent daughters, each determined to carve out their own future. Decades later, Arjan Bains has built a new life in London, far from the shop’s faded shelves and childhood memories. But when a family tragedy forces him back home, he finds himself face-to-face with everything he once tried to leave behind. His mother insists the shop must stay open, but does it still have a place in the world? And does he?
Cast & Crew
- Playwright: Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti
- Director: Iqbal Khan
- Book: Sathnam Sanghera
- Casting Director: Jatinder Chera
- Co-production: Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Cast & Crew
- Playwright: Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti
- Director: Iqbal Khan
- Book: Sathnam Sanghera
- Casting Director: Jatinder Chera
- Co-production: Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
First opening its doors in 1888, the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's Frank Matcham-designed auditorium was dismantled and rebuilt brick by brick in the 1970s to save it from demolition. The Lyric is now housed within a sleek glass-and-steel complex that fuses Victorian elegance with modern design. Over the decades, the Lyric has been home to some of the most groundbreaking and beloved productions in British theatre. Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, premiered here in 1982, as did Bugsy Malone, which has become a staple of the theatre’s identity. The Lyric is also known for bold reimaginings of classic works, from Emma Rice’s vibrant Wise Children to radical new takes on Shakespeare and Greek tragedies. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL, UK
- By metro:
The nearest station to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is Hammersmith Station, located approximately 0.5 miles away.
- By train:
The nearest railway station is West Brompton Station, approximately 15 minutes away by taxi.
- By bus:
The Lyric Hammersmith is just 450 feet from Hammersmith bus station, which is served by both the District and Piccadilly lines.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Toilets, Cloak room, Free parking, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Marriage Material voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets start from £15, and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 14 years and above.
The show is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London
The play explores the lives of the Bains family, focusing on their corner shop in Wolverhampton and the intergenerational challenges they face
The show has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
The play is adapted by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti from Sathnam Sanghera's novel and directed by Iqbal Khan.
