Tour plans for play based on story of fake doctor
Producers behind a play based on the story of a fake Bradford doctor hope to stage a national tour following its initial success.
Teaspoon of Shampoo is a dramatisation based on the life of Muhammed Saeed, who falsely worked as a doctor in Manningham, Bradford, from 1961 until 1990.
He prescribed one patient suffering from a cold with shampoo to be taken twice a day. Another was prescribed a substance similar to creosote [normally used to preserve timber] to treat toothache.
From left, actors Samara Daniels and Umar Butt were part of the Teaspoon of Shampoo cast. Images credit: Karol Wyszynski
The play, held at Theatre in the Mill, an arts organisation based on the University of Bradford campus, for five sell-out performances in March, proved a success with audiences.
The production team are set to apply for funding to take Teaspoon of Shampoo on the road for a national tour, which they hope would take place in spring 2026.
Dr Shabina Aslam, Artistic Director at Theatre in the Mill and writer of the play, said: “We would like to apply for funding for a tour. I want to carry on doing research into the story over this summer and put together a radio play or a podcast.
“People who came to watch it thought it was a fascinating and unusual story. It was a light-hearted piece that was a fun night out. We had people come to watch it who had never been to a theatre before.”
The cast of Teaspoon of Shampoo who performed at Theatre in the Mill. Images credit: Karol Wyszynski
Who was the fake doctor?
Muhammed Saeed was finally exposed in 1990 and a subsequent police investigation discovered he had taken on the medical qualifications of a Pakistan-based doctor who shared the same name.
He was jailed for five years in 1992 after being convicted of four charges of obtaining pay by false pretences and property by deception. He died in 2003.
Dr Saad, right, cries out in frustration. Images credit: Karol Wyszynski
How did the performances go?
The production, held between March 5 and 8, attracted individuals involved in Mr Saeed’s original 1992 trial including a police detective, solicitor, barrister and a pharmacist who knew him.
Audience members came from across the country, including London, Blackpool, Manchester and Nottingham, to watch the play. The actors were given a standing ovation by the audience at the final performance.
Those who were unable to attend the original performances of Teaspoon of Shampoo can email for a video link, shared at the discretion of Theatre in the Mill. Email theatre@bradford.ac.uk for more information.
A showcase of new work event will be held at Theatre in the Mill on Friday 11 April. The performances, taking place at 14:30 and 19:30 and open to the public, will be a taster of six artists and stories the venue wish to develop in the future.
Actor Harveen Mann-Neary on stage during Teaspoon of Shampoo. Images credit: Karol Wyszynski