REVIEW - SISTERS 360 | WATERSIDE ARTS, SALE | 14/04/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Sisters 360 at Waterside Arts — A High-Energy Celebration of Sisterhood, Skateboarding and Big Dreams
Sisters 360 at Waterside Arts is a vibrant and uplifting new play written by Asif Khan, inspired by the real-life “Hijabi Sisters” who challenged stereotypes through their love of skateboarding. Produced by Polka Theatre, Turtle Key Arts and AIK, the show brings much-needed representation to the stage, placing hijabi-wearing girls at the centre of a story that feels both fresh and empowering.
Designed for ages 8–12 (and plenty of adults too), this touring production blends humour, heart and high energy to create a family theatre experience that celebrates identity, friendship and resilience.
At the heart of Sisters 360 are step-sisters Fatima and Salima, two determined young skateboarders from Bradford with one big goal — to win the Tiny is Mighty competition. Together, they form a brilliant double act, full of energy, ambition and sisterly banter.
However, when their parents’ relationship begins to break down and they face the possibility of living apart, everything suddenly feels uncertain. Their shared dream is put at risk, and the strength of their bond is tested as they try to navigate a situation far beyond their control.
Despite the challenges, the story builds towards a hopeful and uplifting resolution, reminding us that even when life changes, the things that matter most can still find a way to come back together.
The set design cleverly transforms the stage into a stylised skatepark, complete with ramps, platforms and rails that instantly place you in the sisters’ world. The graffiti-style panels and bold colours give it an urban, playful feel, while the different levels add movement and variety throughout the performance.
Lighting plays a big role in bringing that world to life, with vibrant washes of colour — from neon pinks and blues to bold greens — helping to reflect both the energy of skate culture and the emotional shifts in the story.
Costumes are a real standout. The mix of streetwear, sportswear and layered textures feels authentic and expressive, with each character’s personality shining through. The integration of hijabs into the costumes is seamless, reinforcing identity while still feeling modern, stylish and completely natural within the world of the show.
The colourful bat puppet is also a memorable visual addition — bright, playful and full of personality — and clearly a big hit with the younger audience.
Sara Abanur (Fatima) and Farah Ashraf (Salima) deliver energetic and engaging performances that truly capture the spirit of childhood. Their chemistry is completely believable, bringing the sisters’ relationship to life with warmth, humour and just the right amount of sibling rivalry.
Sara Abanur’s Fatima is bold, playful and full of confidence, while Farah Ashraf’s Salima offers a more focused and thoughtful counterpart. Together, they create a dynamic duo that keeps the audience invested throughout.
Their physical performances are particularly engaging, with stylised skateboarding movements and choreographed sequences that bring a real sense of energy and fun to the stage.
Sisters 360 at Waterside Arts is a joyful, energetic and meaningful piece of theatre that celebrates sisterhood, identity and the courage to dream big. It’s refreshing to see such strong representation on stage, with hijabi-wearing girls at the centre of the story, offering a perspective that feels both empowering and rarely seen in children’s theatre.
While the story occasionally feels a little busy, the heart of the show — the bond between Fatima and Salima — remains its strongest and most memorable element.
For Alice, this was a really special theatre experience — she was completely transfixed on the stage from start to finish and fully immersed in the story. She especially loved the moment Salima shook her hand at the beginning and gave her a fist bump at the end, which made the whole experience feel even more memorable.
Both Alice and Leo also loved the rainbow bat puppet, which brought an extra burst of fun and colour to the production. Leo enjoyed the show too, although he did say afterwards that he wished there had been some actual skateboard tricks on stage.
Overall, this is a production full of personality, positivity and purpose — one that will leave families smiling long after the final scene.
A fun, heartfelt and uplifting story that proves sisterhood can overcome even the biggest changes — and that some dreams are worth holding onto.
Sisters 360 is at Waterside Arts, Sale until Wednesday 15th April 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
Photo Credit - Tasha Best
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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