BLUE MIST
Stratford East
★★★★
“bursts with life and complexity”
Olivier nominated ‘Blue Mist’ makes its second UK tour stop after a sold out 2023 Royal Court premiere. It’s a timely, important piece that shifts the conversation around British South Asian Muslim experience, reclaiming and rehumanising the narrative. Already strong, with a few tweaks it could be exceptional.
Disillusioned J has almost given up on his dream of becoming a journalist – until his brothers from other mothers, Rash and Sif, convince him to enter a prestigious competition with a pitch on shisha safe spaces. When he wins, it feels like his big break – until producers insist on a more “honest” narrative. Will J break the cycle or become part of it?
Mohamed-Zain Dada’s script radiates humanity, centring three young Muslim men who love, tease and support each other despite their differences. Their care for their community feels lived in, as do the dialogue and cultural references. It’s also wickedly funny. The surreal streak mostly works, though the Daft Punk heads and Disneyfied vocal detour feel like bigger leaps of logic. However the play’s textured, joyfully complex portrayal of British Muslim life deserves celebration.
Milli Bhatia’s direction draws out the trio’s bond with wholesome clarity. The epitome of brothers-from-other-mothers, their easy warmth creates some deeply human moments – like discussing Rash’s plan for an aunties-only safe space. The contrasting surrealist angle adds contemporary bite, though tonal shifts could sometimes use finessing – the sing-songy ‘A Spoonful of Muslim’ feels like a leap, and though the ceiling closing in is a powerful metaphor, keeping it shut leaves the world harder to read. Similarly, more static scenes could do with clearer contextual cues. Still, it’s a distinctive and compelling directorial voice.
Theophilus O. Bailey’s movement direction really shines, opening with a gorgeous, ballet esque tableau of male grace before shifting into a slick mix of styles. The movement sits naturally within scenes – though some are overly static – and there’s comical contrast through Fiona and Mike, as well as punchy, modern transition sequences.
Tomás Palmer’s design is stunning, with sunken shisha lounge and neon lighting. Different levels create striking visuals – especially the trio rising from the blue mist. The lowered ceiling adds boxing ring tension, though makes other scenes trickier to interpret. Elliot Griggs’ lighting is narrative and artistic, guiding the story with subtle pulses, and heightening the drama with sharper bursts and contrasts. Elena Peña’s sound brims with youthful swagger, though occasionally a little too loudly. The costumes add Western and South Asian flair.
Omar Bynon gives Jihad conflicted weight, played with conviction even if the climactic scene could use a touch more grounding. Azan Ahmed meets the material with striking honesty, delivering an endearing Rashid who’s genuinely trying to change after a teenage mistake. Kashif Ghole’s Asif nails the comedy, while admitting he doesn’t have all the answers and letting us in on his heartbreak. Sanjeev Bhaskar lends his voice as Chunky, full of life and warmth even in absence.
‘Blue Mist’ bursts with life and complexity, sharpened by a refreshingly surreal edge. It’s a sharply drawn portrait of humanity that will resonate widely. Make sure you catch it on tour!
BLUE MIST
Stratford East
Reviewed on 11th July 2026
by Hannah Bothelton
Photography by Ali Wright
