English
English
2 hr 30 min with 1 interval
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until June 22, 2025
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 14+ yrs
from
£12
AboutVenueTickets
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
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- The show is recommended for ages 14+ years.
- The production contains themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences; viewer discretion is advised.
Lyric Hammersmith Read more
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre was built in 1888 and it blends Victorian grandeur with modern innovation. Its stunning Frank Matcham-designed auditorium, rescued and rebuilt in the 1970s, sits within a contemporary glass-and-steel structure, making it one of London’s most unique theatres.
From productions like Noises Off to the slapstick of Bugsy Malone, the Lyric has been the host to off-beat shows. Beyond its main stage, the Lyric is a hub for new writing, experimental theatre, and young talent development. Its Young Lyric programme nurtures emerging artists, while its radical reimaginings of classics and bold new commissions keep it at the forefront of British theatre.
Lyric Hammersmith seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL, United Kingdom
- Train: The nearest railway station is West Brompton Station, approximately 15 minutes away by taxi.
- Tube: Hammersmith Station (District, Piccadilly, and Hammersmith & City lines) is just a 2-minute walk from the theatre.
- Bus: The Hammersmith Bus Station is 2 minutes away, with routes 27, 110, 190, 218, 267, 306, H91, N9, N11, and N266 serving the area.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: bar, cafe, toilets, baby-changing facility, breastfeeding assistance with refrigeration and private spaces provided
Accessibility: Audio Described Performances, Open Captioned performances, BSL performances, Relaxed performances, elevators, accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible seats and transfer seats.
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’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions about Marriage Material
How much do the Marriage Material tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets start from £15, and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is Marriage Material appropriate for?
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 14 years and above.
Where is Marriage Material playing in London?
The show is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London
What is Marriage Material about?
The play explores the lives of the Bains family, focusing on their corner shop in Wolverhampton and the intergenerational challenges they face
How long does Marriage Material run for?
The show has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
Who are the main stars of Marriage Material?
The play is adapted by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti from Sathnam Sanghera's novel and directed by Iqbal Khan.