Zafar flees homophobic persecution in Pakistan to seek asylum in the UK. Londoner Bilal (or Billy as he prefers to be known) is ground down by years of Grindr and the complexity of being a brown gay man. Their worlds are about to change forever. Moving through casual hook-ups to the UK's hostile environment, Waleed Akhtar's sharp-witted and devastating new play charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men.

Rita (Grace Galloway) is a spirited hairdresser hungry for change. Frank (Richard Conlon) is a disillusioned university lecturer who has lost faith in his work and in himself. When their worlds collide, an unexpected friendship sparks that will change them both. First performed in 1980 and later adapted into the beloved film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine, which earned three BAFTA Awards and three Oscar nominations, Educating Rita remains a warm, witty and deeply human celebration of growth, connection and the transformative joy of education.

Set in Dublin, the story follows Guy, a disillusioned street musician ready to leave his songs behind, and Girl, a spirited Czech immigrant who challenges him to believe in his talent. With the support of an unconventional group of friends and fellow musicians, they embark on creating an album together. This achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go.