When There is No Time Q&A

Now playing at Seven Dials Playhouse, Where There Is No Time follows Yusuf, a rising fashion designer on the brink of a career-defining breakthrough. Caught between commercial pressure and staying true to his cultural identity, he must navigate ambition, grief and the cost of success. We spoke to writer and performer Mohammedally Hashemi to talk about where the story came from, how his own background shaped it, and the emotional journey of a young designer trying to make something meaningful.

The play asks what we are willing to sacrifice for success, what inspired you to explore that question?

I was inspired to find the answer to this myself and every day of writing, rehearsals, and now even performing I’m learning more and more. The starting point of this is curiosity always.

Why was it important for you to centre a British Iranian-Yemeni protagonist in this story?

I think why not? It's my background and I wanted to use this show to specifically highlight my learnings as a writer. If I don't write stories for my people who will?

Yusuf’s work is tied to the memory of his mother, how does grief shape his ambition? 

Grief shapes his passion, his drive, his need to thread clothes to somehow coat and bandage his pain, his scars, art is the ultimate cathartic expression of therapy.

The title Where There Is No Time is striking, what does it mean to you? 

It links to Rumi's famous quote, about mortality and then most importantly comments on Yusuf's impending deadline.

What do you hope audiences take away from Yusuf’s journey? 

To believe in themselves to create, and not be scared about people's opinions, No matter what people will hate your work, some will love it. Most important thing is you keep creating from a place of love and honesty.

Where There Is No Time will play at Seven Dials Playhouse, London from 17th - 28th March 2026. For more information visit: https://www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk/shows/where-there-is-no-time