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Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square, Birmingham
Brown Boys Swim artwork. Image shows just the legs and swimming shorts of two boys who are standing in water. The sun is shining and there are ripples of sunlight over the water. The boy on the left is taller and is wearing dark shorts, and the boy on the right is smaller and is wearing bright blue shorts with a white stripe down the side.

Brown Boys Swim

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Delicate and fresh coming-of-age story
★★★★ The Stage

Best friends Mohsen and Kash are gearing up for the biggest night of their lives – Jess Denver’s pool party. There’s just one problem… they can’t swim.

Fuelled by halal Haribo and chicken wings, the pair throw themselves in at the deep end, tackling cramped cubicles and cold showers as they learn how to be at one with the water.

A runaway success”
★★★★★ WhatsOnStage

Brown Boys Swim is a sharp, touching look at the way Islamophobia can pervade life in sometimes the most unlikely ways.”
★★★★ ½ The Reviews Hub

Fierce, funny, and brimming with heart, Karim Khan examines the pressures faced by young Muslim men in this exhilarating play about fitting in and striking out.

Karim Khan’s hilarious, touching tale… truly breathtaking”
★★★★★ Broadway Baby

A poignant exploration of the young Muslim experience & friendship at its purest form”
★★★★★ A Young(ish) Perspective Review

Price

From £12

Presented by

The North Wall

Written by

Karim Khan

Directed by

John Hoggarth

Running time

75 minutes

Age Guidance

14+

Content Advice

Please note, this production contains haze, strong language, descriptions of racism, and discussions of death.

Access Performances

Captioned: Fri 3 Nov, 8pm (captioned by TBC)

Visual Story

Download our free visual story for the production

Post Show Discussion

Sat 4 Nov, 3pm

Special Offers

3 for 2: Add 3 shows into your basket and at checkout enjoy 33% off each production T&Cs apply – Find Out More

Fees and Charges

Please note there is a transaction fee of £2.50 on all payment types.

Watch the trailer...

Production Shots

1 /
Kash (played by Kashif Ghole) and Mohsen (played by Ibraheem Hussain) are leaning on the edge of a swimming pool. The swimming pool has bright blue small tiles and two white thin bands. Mohsen is looking forward and Kash is looking to the side.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Kash (played by Kashif Ghole) and Mohsen (played by Ibraheem Hussain) are in school uniforms in a swimming baths. Mohsen is wearing a red backpack, he is pointing forward. Kash is looking forward.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Kash (played by Kashif Ghole) and Mohsen (played by Ibraheem Hussain) are sat on a wooden bench in coats. Mohsen is looking forward and has his arms outstretched. Kash has put his hand on Mohsen and looks scared. They are both wearing backpacks and are in the swimming baths.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Mohsen (played by Ibraheem Hussain) is stood performing on stage wearing a school uniform. He is in a swimming baths and he is talking to Kash (played by Kashif Ghole). Kash is looking at Mohsen who is talking.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Kash (played by Kashif Ghole) and Mohsen (played by Ibraheem Hussain) are sat on a bench and talking to each other. Mohsen is looking like he is explaining something to Kash and Kash is looking concerned whilst listening.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Kash (played by Kashif Ghole) and Mohsen (played by Ibraheem Hussain) are sat on a bench in the swimming baths. Mohsen is explaining something and is putting up his palms. Kash is looking at him and looks concerned.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Cast

A headshot of Kashif Ghole. He has long black hair that is tied up. He has facial hair and is wearing a red smart shirt and a white t shirt underneath.

Kash

Kashif Ghole
Headshot of Ibraheem Hussain. He has short black hair and brown eyes.

Mohsen

Ibraheem Hussain

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