Booking to 15 July 2023
★★★★ “An affecting tale” – Guardian
Arcola Theatre presents the UK premiere of Duck starring Omar Bynon.
This one-man show is about a British Indian schoolboy attempting to reach dizzying heights of cricketing glory, whilst having to contend with the challenges of adolescence, the pressures of sporting competition, and come to terms with his identity in an environment that doesn’t cater for difference.
Duck runs from 27 June until 15 July at the Arcola Theatre, London.
What's the story of Duck?
It’s the summer of 2005, and Ismail – ‘Smiley’ to his schoolmates – is about to become the youngest-ever member of his elite public school’s First XI cricket team. A star player full of ambition and talent, he sets his sights on immortality – breaking the school batting record and getting his name into Wisden. But at the start of the season, new coach Mr. Eagles takes a particular dislike to him, for reasons Ismail can’t quite put his finger on. Desperate to prove himself, he runs into a patch of poor form at just the wrong time. Bad luck on the pitch leads to issues off it too, and Ismail finds that no one – friends, family, teammates – seems to get what he’s going through.
Set during England’s famous Ashes victory and the events of 7/7, Ismail discovers that cricket might not be able to take care of everything as it once did.
Who is in the cast of Duck?
Omar Bynon plays Ismail. His theatre credits include Julius Caesar (Shakespeare’s Globe), 2036: Pawn (Bush Theatre), Heartfelt, and Poet’s Manifesto (Theatre Royal Stratford East).
Who are the creative team of Duck?
Directed by Imy Wyatt Corner; Assistant Director, Maryam Shaharuddin; Set Designer, Maariyah Sharjil; Composer/Sound Designer, Holly Khan; Movement Director, Hamza Ali; Lighting Designer, Jonathan Chan; Video and Projection designer, Rachel Sampley; IBSL performer, Nadeem Islam.
Reviews of Duck
★★★★ "An affecting tale of discrimination dismissed as banter feels particularly profound" - The GuardianShow Information
Matinees: Saturday
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Important Notes
Content warnings: racial slurs, swearing, bullying, police violence, Islamophobia. The show makes reference to the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London, and features a scene set in a holding cell at a police station.
Venue Information
Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street , London, E8 3DLNearest Tube or Train: Dalston Kingslan, Dalston Junction
Nearest Buses: 149, 242, 6, 243, 38, 56, 30, 277
Ticket Information
Official London Theatre tickets for Duck at the Arcola Theatre, London
Book tickets to Duck at the Arcola Theatre, London with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
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