The Chosen Haram at The Lowry

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
The Chosen Haram at Homotopia Festival
Image courtesy of Glen McCarty.

The Chosen Haram at The Lowry, Salford 3 March 2022 Tickets from £12.00 — Book now

Exploring themes of sexuality, faith, addiction and human connection, The Chosen Haram tells the story of two queer men and their chance meeting through a dating app. What makes this ‘boy-meets-boy’ narrative so ethereal is the fact that the story is told through a combination of extraordinary physical theatre and gravity-defying circus.

Performed on two Chinese poles to a pumping soundtrack, The Chosen Haram features lead artist and performer Sadiq Ali and co-deviser and performer Hauk Pattison. Portraying the highs and lows of a relationship and the social and cultural barriers at play, the show is based on Ali’s personal experience and is also informed by interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community who identify as (ex) Muslim.

‘Haram’ is an Arabic term and means something that is forbidden by Islam. A contemporary love story, The Chosen Haram charts their relationship from the initial meeting via a dating app through to the personal barriers they have to overcome to find happiness and fulfillment. The show aims to open conversations around some of the issues faced by LGBTQ+ (ex) Muslims and highlight the personal struggles faced by those whose upbringing contradicts their personal truths. Elevating and heartwarming, the show also looks to celebrate the resilience of the self.

Running for around an hour, this beautifully told two-hander examines the explosive meeting of religion and romance through spectacular and skilful choreography on the Chinese pole. Soaring, spinning, scrambling and sliding, two flexible, four-metre-high posts provide an impressive setting by which to explore the tensions and desires surrounding a young Muslim man torn between his faith and his sexuality.

Originally from Edinburgh, Sadiq Ali trained at the National Centre for Circus Arts in London and this is his first full-length piece of work. The performance has been well-received by both audiences and critics – garnering four-star reviews from both The Stage and The Guardian when it was performed recently at Scotland’s Manipulate Festival. Don’t miss out when it visits The Lowry this March.

The Chosen Haram at The Lowry, Salford 3 March 2022 Tickets from £12.00 Book now

What's on at The Lowry

Outpatient at The Lowry
TheatreMediaCityUK
Outpatient at The Lowry

Following a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe, Crowded Room return to Salford with Outpatient, a solo show exploring the fragility of the human body.

from £14.00

Where to go near The Chosen Haram at The Lowry

Bailey's
Blackpool
Restaurant
Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie

Serving exceptional meats, cheeses and wines from all over the world, Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie offers a laid-back, sophisticated experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Blackpool.

The Buccaneer
Blackpool
Restaurant
The Buccaneer

Set in Coral Island, The Buccaneer isn’t just family-friendly, it’s above above-and-beyond family-friendly, thanks to the very generous kids eat free offer.

Coral Island Sign
Blackpool
Coral Island

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun.

Bar and pub 2
Liverpool
Restaurant
Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk is an independent pub in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, celebrating all things bohemian with its décor, drinks and events.

Doric Hotel Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse, Blackpool’s King’s Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Blackpool’s main attractions, but not so close that you won’t get a decent night’s sleep.

Boulevard Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

What's on:

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.