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The Buddha of Suburbia

Royal Shakespeare Company/Wise Children

A person does a headstand in their pants against an orange and brown patterned wall.

This ‘glorious and intoxicating five-star’ (Times) production based on Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning novel transfers for a limited 4-week season only.

South London in the late seventies. High unemployment, high inflation, food shortages and strikes. But despite the winter of discontent, 17-year-old Karim’s life is about to explode into glorious technicolour as he navigates a path to enlightenment. Or at the very least, Beckenham.

Director Emma Rice brings her unique and joyful style to Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning 1990 novel, exploring family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging, in a critically acclaimed production that will you leave you ‘on a rare high’ (Telegraph).

Running time: approx 2 hrs 50 mins (including 20 minute interval)

Please note that evening performances start at 7.15pm. Latecomers may not be admitted.

Age guidance 13+
This production contains scenes of an adult nature, including depictions of nudity and sexual acts, and swearing throughout. For more information about themes and contents of this play, please see our content advisory page.

New Work at the RSC is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation and The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust

Production images by Steve Tanner © RSC

Reviews

‘Glorious and intoxicating‘
‘An engrossing love-letter to Hanif Kureishi that leaves you on a rare high‘
‘A joyous staging. Upbeat, funny, ridiculous and tender‘
‘A delightful production that emanates a sense of warmth and love‘

Accessibility

Audio described performance
Audio described by Gethyn Edwards
Sat 16 Nov, 1.30pm

Touch Tour
Sat 16 Nov, 11.30am-12pm

BSL-integrated performance
BSL-interpreted by  Clare Edwards
Wed 6 Nov, 7.15pm

Captioned performance
Captioned by Stefanie Bell
Sat 2 Nov, 1.30pm

Relaxed performance
Sat 9 Nov, 1.30pm 

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