Comedy drama East is East rolls into Richmond next week, fresh from its successful run in the West End.

Wimbledon Times:

Award-winning Ayub Khan Din's semi-autobiographical play first hit the stage in 1997 before being adapted for the big screen.

Having completed a stint at the Trafalgar Studios as part of the acclaimed Trafalgar Transformed season, the much-loved East is East now begins a three-week tour.

Twickenham's Jane Horrocks takes on the role of Ella Khan, an English woman who marries into a family with traditional Muslim ideals during the 1970s.

The play has provoked debate and discussion since its debut and playwright Khan Din steps into the role of George Khan, nicknamed Genghis by his children.

For Ashley Kumar, who plays Tariq, it is not only a play he can identify with but a production the actor feels passionately about.

He says: "Tariq feels 100 per cent British - he is 21 and has very little connection with his father or with Pakistani culture.

"He likes to go out drinking, he likes to chase women and, in general, do what that age group tends to do."

Kumar says Tariq, one of several children, has a "tough relationship" with his father, which becomes apparent as the two differing cultures collide under one roof.

"My background is quite similar to Tariq's," he says. "Having just come out of the West End, this has been amazing to be part of - especially as we keep the same cast for the tour, which is quite unusual in theatre."

The tour opens in Birmingham before arriving in Richmond and then, finally, in Manchester.

Kumar saves particular praise for his co-star Horrocks, renowned for her role in Absolutely Fabulous.

He adds: “Working with Jane is just amazing, she is so fantastic at what she does.”

  • East is East; Richmond Theatre, the Green, Richmond; January 19 to 24, evening 7.30pm, matinees 2.30pm; tickets £11.50-£31; visit atgtickets.com/richmond for more information.