God Sports is a new play that takes a philosophical look at science, medicine, spirituality and love, writes Nick Elvin

Dilemmas of love, science and Eastern philosophy collide in the latest production at Hampstead’s New End Theatre.

God Sports, written by Gopi Warrier, tells the story of a young, beautiful, English female professor who is romantically and relentlessly pursued by an Indian colleague. She complains to a British astrophysicist, and there follows a harassment case.

The play explores the clash between the East and West in philosophy and love, and looks into the areas of science, medicine and spirituality with musings, poetry and original songs.

The cast includes John Hellman, whose character PC Humphries investigates the harassment case.

“I get called in with a fellow PC. I’m more embracing of the poetry and I embrace the [Indian] professor and his poetry, whereas my colleague is somewhat racist,” he says.

John adds that he has had to do his homework for the role. “There’s a fusion of philosophy, poetry and spirituality. I’ve had to read the script several times and do lots of research. Indian mythology is at the heart of the play. We know Greek mythology but Indian mythology isn’t as well known.“ John, who has lived in New Southgate for 17 years, says this is the first time he has worked at the theatre. The production is the world premiere of God Sports.

“The New End is like a home for the best of new writing. It’s a theatre that’s seen some real household names in the past. This is an ’intelligent’ production.“ John, 43, only became a professional actor two years ago. Before that he’d spent more than 20 years in the travel industry, but did amateur dramatics. “I’ve gone from nine-to-five to this. I’ve not looked back at all. I’ve had to reshuffle my life financially and structurally, and so many facets of my life have had to change. It’s something I love and long may it continue.“ God Sports is at the New End Theatre, Hampstead, until July 31. Tickets: 0870 033 2733, www.newendtheatre.co.uk