Skateboarding sisters roll into Sale with inspiring new play

A high-energy family show inspired by real-life Muslim skateboarders is heading to Waterside Arts in Sale next month, promising a joyful and thought-provoking afternoon out for families.

Photo by Tasha Best

Sisters360, a brand-new play inspired by the true story of three hijab-wearing sisters from Hull who took the skateboarding world by storm, will perform at Waterside Arts on Tuesday 14 April and Wednesday 15 April.

Written by award-winning playwright Asif Khan – known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company – and produced by Turtle Key Arts, the show tells the story of Fatima and Salima, step-sisters from Bradford with one ambition: to win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition. When whispers of their parents' separation threaten to pull their world apart, the sisters must find a way to hold on to each other – and their dream.

The production is rooted in the real story of Layna, Maysa and Amaya, the so-called "Hijabi Sisters" from Hull, whose passion for skateboarding captured widespread media attention and challenged assumptions about who belongs in skate culture.

Playwright Asif Khan, who drew on his own experience as a parent and a British Muslim when writing the play, has spoken about the importance of representation in children's theatre. "All the 'cool' people on television, sport, music, films, plays never included anyone who looked like me," he said. "Because there is a lack of stories for children involving British Muslim characters, I thought – why not write some myself?"

The result is a 55-minute show recommended for children aged 8 to 12, described as "boisterous, joyful and inspiring" – a celebration of skateboards, sisterhood and standing proud.

Tickets are £14 for adults and £12 for children, with a 10 per cent discount available for Waterside members.

📍Waterside Arts, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF