Leeds Playhouse treats 200 school children to front row seats for a Planet Omar rehearsal

Children at Shakespeare Primary School in Burmantofts were given an exclusive sneak peek into the wonderful world of Planet Omar when rehearsals were moved from Leeds Playhouse to their school hall.

The Playhouse took the cast, director and stage management team to the school to play warm-up games and never-seen-before scenes from the joyful new family show, which runs in its Courtyard Theatre from 7-25 April.

The children asked lots of great questions about the production, how a story becomes a play, what a director and stage manager do, and how the actors bring the puppets – H20 the dragon and Esa, Omar’s little brother – so vividly to life.

“We had such a fun afternoon at Shakespeare Primary School,” said Planet Omar Director Sameena Hussain. “The children were really engaged with the story and were a brilliant audience – it was so lovely for the cast to hear their laughter and cheers and to feel the show coming alive in the room. The children’s enthusiasm and energy gave us all a beautiful burst of positivity.”

A spokesperson for Shakespeare Primary School said: “The children loved the preview performance of Planet Omar. They left the hall buzzing with excitement and have been asking regularly about when the production begins as they can’t wait to go and see it. Opportunities like this are so special, inspiring the budding actors and actresses of the future with a glimpse into life on the stage. Thanks for putting on a fantastic show!”

Planet Omar takes audiences into the fantastically imaginative and chaotic world of an 8-year-old British Pakistani Muslim boy with a wild imagination, a big heart, and a knack for getting into trouble.

When Omar’s family moves to a new neighbourhood, he faces a whirlwind of challenges: a new school, an unfriendly neighbour, and a bully who makes every day feel like a battle. But with a little help from his family, best friend Charlie, and a very friendly dragon, Omar discovers his not-so-average imagination is his greatest strength.

This world premiere production celebrates empathy, community, resilience – and fun! Keep your eyes peeled for a gigantic piece of cheese, a big friendly puppet dragon, and wild imaginings coming to life in this joyful, vibrant and hugely entertaining adventure for the whole family.

Planet Omar, adapted for the stage by Asif Khan and directed by Sameena Hussain, premieres in the Courtyard Theatre at Leeds Playhouse from 7 – 25 April before transferring to the Unicorn Theatre from 21 May – 7 June and Birmingham Rep from 17 – 21 June.

The original Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet book by Zanib Mian is published by Hachette Children’s Group from whom Leeds Playhouse acquired the stage rights.

Planet Omar plays at Leeds Playhouse 7 – 25 April. Tickets are available here.