Ricky Braithwaite, an ex-RAF fighter pilot and Cambridge graduate, arrives in London in 1948. Despite his First Class degree in electronic engineering he is turned down for job after job in his chosen profession and discovers the reality of life as a black man in post-war England. Taking the only job he can get, Ricky begins his first teaching post, in a tough but progressive East End school. Supported by an enlightened headmaster, the determined teacher turns teenage rebelliousness into self-respect, contempt into consideration and hate into love, and on the way, Ricky himself learns that he has more in common with his students than he had realized.

Funny and tough... an unlikely tale, beautifully told. - Express

Stark and engaging... a poetic period piece. - Whatsonstage.com

A clever re-working... beautifully judged with warmth and a lot of humour. - British Theatre Guide

Ayub Khan-Din is a British Pakistani actor and playwright. His play East is East won the John Whiting and Writers' Guild Awards and the film version won Best Film at the British Comedy Awards. Other work includes Last Dance at Dum Dum and Notes on Falling Leaves, both staged by the Royal Court.