Meet the stars of a joyful new play inspired by Olympic skateboarder Sky Brown

Casting has been announced for an exciting new play written by acclaimed Bradford playwright Asif Khan. Sisters 360is inspired by real-life skateboarding sisters Layna, Maysa and Amaya from Hull, and their hero Olympic medalist Sky Brown.

This Polka Theatre, AIK Productions and Turtle Key Arts co-production in association with Leeds Playhouse will run at the Playhouse from 7-10 May, ahead of a Community Tour to schools and neighbourhood venues across the Leeds City Region.

Playing the sisters are Sara Abanur (Of All The Beautiful Things In The World, HOMEmcr; Bad Science, SwitchMCR/HOMEmcr) as Fatima, and Farah Ashraf (Pink Rabbit, Theatre503; Santi & Naz, National Tour) as Salima.

Writer Asif Khan said: “Sisters 360 was inspired by three young Muslim sisters from Hull, who themselves were inspired by 13-year-old skateboarder Sky Brown at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to take up the sport and showcase their new hobby loudly and proudly to the world. I loved how the sisters were breaking so many stereotypes, not only about being Muslim, but also being girls skateboarding.

“It’s been an extremely difficult period for many in the Muslim community and I hope this new play will, in a small way, go to provide some joy and positive representation, as well as being a really fun experience at the theatre. I can guarantee that Fatima and Salima are truly the coolest people to hang out with!”

Fatima and Salima are the closest, coolest, hijabi step-sisters in all of Bradford and they will win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition – there’s no doubt about it. They’ve practised every trick in the book, and look (almost) as good as Sky Brown on the telly – check out their YouTube channel if you’re not convinced. Nothing will stop them.

Except their parents have started whispering in the kitchen about living apart… moving to different cities… only seeing each other in the school holidays. How will they perfect their routine and win gold if their whole lives are about to turn 360? Only the greatest plan ever concocted will help them achieve their dreams.

Written by Asif Khan (Jabala And The Jinn) and directed by Ameera Conrad, Sisters 360’s creative team also includes Set and Costume Designer Erin C Guan, Sound Designer and Composer Holly Khan, Movement Director Rachel-Leah Hosker, Puppet Maker and Designer Mikayla Teodoro, and Puppet Director Roman Stefanski.

The production will open at Polka Theatre ahead of cruising into Leeds. Sisters 360 is also part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme from 30-31 May and will embark on a Polka Theatre local schools tour in spring 2026.

For more information about this play visit leedsplayhouse.org.uk