Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) will present the Australian premiere of Daytime Deewane – a bold, immersive coming-of-age experience from acclaimed and award-winning UK playwright Azan Ahmed, running 16 – 25 October at the all new Riverside Live at PHIVE Theatre in Parramatta Square.
Step into 1997. A London daytime nightclub pulses with Bhangra beats as two cousins – one quiet, one wild – dive headfirst into a rave that pulses with possibility. Set over a single afternoon, Daytime Deewane follows Farhan and Sadiq as they wrestle with generational expectations, brotherhood, and what it means to be a “good Muslim boy” and a “proper British man”. They’ve got until 6pm to figure it out.
Directed by Sepy Baghaei (Gate Theatre’s Wish You Were Here) and starring Ariyan Sharma (STC’s Dear Evan Hansen) and Ashan Kumar (Mainstage Debut), this high-octane, deeply moving work blends spoken word and dancefloor euphoria into a theatrical gig-night mash-up.
“I’m so thrilled and deeply honoured to have Daytime Deewane on at NTofP. Very grateful to Joanne Kee and the team for believing this slice of British South Asian history can have global impact. Looking forward to welcoming you all to the rave!” said Playwright Azan Ahmed.
“It’s very special for me to direct this story at home in Parramatta, where I was born and raised. Azan’s writing is vibrant and vital – a fresh voice championing South Asian and Muslim perspectives with nuance, humour and heart,” said Director Sepy Baghaei.
“Imagine a daytime rave, pumping Bhangra music, people lost in the groove. Then layer on themes of family, friendship and betrayal for a turbo-charged production. Check out our nightclub vibe for a daytime rave,” said NTofP’s Creative and Executive Producer, Joanne Kee.
With a story rooted in British South Asian history and a soundtrack designed to get audiences on their feet, Daytime Deewane is a celebration of culture, conflict, and joy.
Director: Sepy Baghaei | Featuring: Ariyan Sharma, Ashan Kumar | Costume Designer: Rita Naidu | Lighting & Set Designer: BROCKMAN | Composer & Sound Designer: Chrysoulla Markoulli | Production Manager: Andrew D Potvin | Stage Manager: Justice Georgopoulos | Music Consultant: Deepa Alam | Dialect & Voice Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley | Choreographer: Shyamla Eswaran | Fight Director: Tim Dashwood | Cultural Consultant: Aleena Rizvi | Playwright: Azan Ahmed
Daytime Deewane
PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta
Season: 16 – 25 October 2025
Information and Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
Image: National Theatre of Parramatta presents Daytime Deewane (supplied)