40 Days and 40 Nights: Script in hand reading

In 1996, the El Gadhy family from Bootle did what any sensible family would do… they piled onto a bright red double decker bus and set off for Yemen.

With just 40 days and 40 nights to make it to Sanaa in time for the grand opening of their new family home (no pressure), Abdul is determined this chaotic road trip will cement his legacy—preferably without anyone getting lost, arrested, or left at a petrol station. Nadia wants her children to be free to be themselves while doing her best to keep up appearances, and siblings, Omar, Sam, Aaliyah and Halima are driver, cheeky, fashionista and feisty respectively and sometimes disrespectfully.

Inspired by a true story, 40 Days and 40 Nights is a cross-continental comedy of double decker proportions, where a family departs and comes together. As they navigate across Europe and the Middle East, the El Gadhy’s explore their different versions of being Muslim, pioneers, Yemeni and Scouse.

Strap in for the ride of a lifetime and journey from the Mersey to the Middle East with ferries, fights, fun and family. Hop on, this is the bus you won't want to miss, next stop Yemen.

40 Days and 40 Nights has been developed as a co-creation between Liverpool's Royal Court and Liverpool Arab Arts Festival. Join us for a script in hand reading to get a first look at this brand new comedy.

Written by Chrissy Jones

Based on the real life journey of Mohamed El Gadhy

Performance Information

Approximate show duration: 2 hours including a 20 minute interval

Age Rating: 14+

Please note – the bar will close 15 minutes before the advertised start time.

Latecomers will not be admitted so please arrive in good time.

Please contact Box Office on 0151 709 4321 if you require wheelchair access. There are two wheelchair spaces available for each show.

There are no booking fees payable (hurrah!)