Omar sharif's chichester connection revealed in new play

Playwright Hannah Khalil's latest work, Love Omar, explores the Egyptian actor's 1983 stint at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Unearthing a forgotten chapter in sharif's career

While queuing for the loo at the theatre, Khalil spotted a photograph of a young Omar Sharif in a prince's costume. This chance discovery set her on the trail of uncovering more about the actor's brief but significant time in Sussex.

Sharif had come to Chichester in 1983 to play the lead role in Terence Rattigan's 1953 drama The Sleeping Prince, which later transferred to the West End. The theatre was in need of a star to attract audiences, and Sharif's presence was a major coup.

Khalil spent years researching this chapter in Sharif's life, interviewing those who worked with him, including co-star Debbie Arnold and artistic director John Gale. Her play features Sharif in his dressing room, revealing a complex character prone to vanity, insecurity, and charming generosity.

Love Omar is not just a tribute to Sharif's stage presence but also a personal exploration of identity for Khalil, who reflects on her own mixed heritage and the challenges of honouring one's cultural roots in the UK.

The play premieres at Theatro Technis in London from May 7 to June 6, offering a unique glimpse into a forgotten episode in the life of a Hollywood legend.