Racial and gay politics in modern Britain are the subjects of a new play by former Keighley man Nick Ahad.

A Muslamic Love Story looks at the lives of a mixed-race gay couple living in both happiness and fear in a Northern town.

Their relationship is brought into question when they are confronted by a black British man’s views on race, Islam and homosexuality.

Nick’s play, which is premiered in Bradford next Thursday and Friday, June 7 and 8, is a follow-up to his touring schools production Nor Any Drop.

Shipley MP Philip Davies referred Nor Any Drop to education secretary Michael Gove because he felt its climate change message was spreading propaganda in schools.

A Muslamic Love Story, which is also being directed by Nick, a newspaper arts correspondent, is being promoted as a controversial untold story of contemporary Britain.

Nick said: “Racism, homophobia and Islamophobia are terrifyingly rife in Britain today. My play addresses those issues.

“It’s also a love story. I’ve always loved plays that put people in a pressure cooker and turn up the heat on the characters, which is what I hope A Muslamic Love Story will do.

“Just a few months ago three Muslim men in Derby were jailed for handing out leaflets calling for gay people to face the death penalty. At the same time membership of fascist, Islamophobic groups like the BNP is increasing.”

Nick has previously written and directed several short films, commissioned by Bradford City of Film, and his debut film starred Coronation Street actress Deborah McAndrew.

Nick trained as a playwright with West Yorkshire Playhouse and with renowned TV writers, and he trained as a director with a London-based Asian theatre company.

His play Nor Any Drop toured schools in Yorkshire, produced by Oldham theatre company Peshkar and Leeds theatre company Red Ladder.

A Muslamic Love Story is at the University of Bradford’s Theatre In The Mill, next Thursday and Friday, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 from (01274) 233200.