REVIEW: The Beekeeper of Aleppo
⭐⭐⭐⭐ [4 stars]
Join Nuri and Afra on their perilous journey to seek a better tomorrow
If you're looking for an evening of theatre that will leave you thinking about the show long after you've left, this one’s for you. Following its acclaimed world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in 2023, this restaging of The Beekeeper of Aleppo, adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler, opened at Nottingham Playhouse on 7 February before embarking on a national tour with performances at Salisbury Playhouse between 24 – 28 March.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo tells the story of couple Nuri, a beekeeper, and Afra, an artist, who are forced to leave their home, and their country, following war. They embark on a journey across land and sea in the hopes of a safer life, all whilst enduring immense loss and incredible danger.
This contemplative play manages to include a couple of comedic moments, providing a small slither of lightness in an otherwise thought-provoking production. Joseph Long, who plays Mustafa (Nuri's cousin) and Moroccan Man, does an excellent job playing both characters and for us provided the standout performance of the show.
Adam Sina, Farah Saffari 📸 Manuel Harlan
Flitting between present day and flashbacks, the addition of captions stating the place and time ensures this play is easy to follow whether you know the story or not. The set is simple and unchanging, using clever lighting and visuals to depict the various settings the characters find themselves in. From pre-war Aleppo to a frosty meeting with The UK Home Office, this play's design allows the show to effortlessly move between the UK, Syria, and everywhere Nuri and Afra find themselves inbetween.
Joseph Long, Farah Saffari, Adam Sina, Alia Lahlou 📸 Manuel Harlan
Christy Lefteri’s best-selling novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo, was one of The Times' top three bestselling books of 2020 and today the story feels even more relevant given current world events. Whilst it could have been preachy, instead, this play highlights the importance of human connection and showcases the personalities of those seeking refuge.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo, presented by Martin Dodd for UK Productions Ltd in association with Nottingham Playhouse, is evocative, powerful and hopeful.
Tickets start from £19 and this production is suitable for ages 14+.