Habibti Driver (NHB Modern Plays)

By Shamia Chalabi and Sarah Henley

Meet Ashraf and his 'Habibti' – his daughter Shazia. He's an Egyptian, Muslim taxi driver; she's half-Egyptian, half-Wiganese, and more interested in the last call at the bar than the call to prayer.

Their relationship is put to the test when Ashraf introduces Shazia to his new Egyptian bride, whilst she is attempting to break the news of her own secret engagement. In Ashraf's taxi they must navigate driving lessons, sing karaoke and explore whether, despite their differences, family can win out regardless.

Habibti Driver is a heartwarming and hilarious play, based on Shamia Chalabi's real-life experiences and co-written with Sarah Henley, exploring the clashes, compromises and comedy that come with living in a mixed-culture family in today's Britain.

First performed in an earlier version – Burkas and Bacon Butties – at the VAULT Festival, London, this revised, full-length version premiered at the Octagon Theatre Bolton in April 2022, co-produced with Tara Finney Productions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nick Hern Books
• Release date: Apr 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781788505727

Shamia Chalabi

Shamia Chalabi is a London-based writer and actress working in theatre and TV. Her semi-autobiographical play, Burkas and Bacon Butties, based on some of her personal experiences growing up in London and Wigan, was first performed at part of the 2018 VAULT Festival, London. It was later developed as a new play, Habibti Driver, premiered at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, in 2022.