Dee Ahluwalia as Karim, wearing a pair of bright blue briefs and doing a head stand with knees bent and feet touching in a yoga-style pose. The background is warm with yellows and golds in a 70s style pattern

A co-production with Wise Children

The Buddha of Suburbia

Based on the novel by Hanif Kureishi

Adapted for the stage by Emma Rice, with Hanif Kureishi

Here is some more detailed information on the content of The Buddha of Suburbia, to help prepare you or those you are bringing with you to see the show.

  • Running time:

    2 hrs 50 mins (including a 20 mins interval)

Next performance:

7 November, 1:30PM

Barbican Theatre
London

Live theatre is exciting. It can be loud, bright, shocking at times, and occasionally some of the effects we use, or the themes our productions explore, can trigger distressing emotions.

We know that some of our audiences appreciate detailed information on the content of our shows in order to make informed decisions and to prepare themselves, or members of their party, including those with additional needs.

If there are specific themes you are concerned about, you can call our Box Office team on 01789 331111, from midday to 6pm (UK time) Monday to Friday to find out more about our shows and what they contain.

SONIC STORY

We offer a sonic story for The Buddha of Suburbia.This is a graphic which highlights the key sounds from throughout the performance. It's available to all audience members, but we hope it will be particularly useful for anyone who might benefit from understanding the sensory elements of the show before they see it. 

Download The Buddha of Suburbia sonic story.

THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA

Age guidance 13+ 

This production features:

  • Some scenes of an adult nature (including depictions of nudity and sexual acts)
  • Swearing
  • Representations of physical violence
  • Themes of racial, gender and sexual discrimination (including portrayals of manipulative, forceful and domineering behaviour, as well as grooming)
  • Depictions of alcohol and drug misuse
  • Loud noises (including music and voices)
  • Flashing lights
  • Strobe effects
  • Smoke and haze
  • E-cigarettes
  • Incense
  • Party Poppers
  • Balloons 

ALLERGENS

Please note that Latex balloons may fall into the audience as part of the performance. 

Further information about The Buddha of Suburbia can be found on our Assisted Performances page.