The Buddha of Suburbia

A new stage adaptation of Hanif Kureishi's acclaimed 1990s novel by theatre practitioner Emma Rice

My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred. Almost.

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.

Emma Rice adapts the award-winning 1990 novel, which was later turned into an acclaimed TV series, with Hanif Kureishi. On stage it becomes an irresistible, heart-breaking and joyful exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging.

This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the RSC in April 2024.