London Theatre | 28 October – 11 November 2026
Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada returns to the Bush Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush with The Bridge, which won a Scotsman Fringe First at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. His previous show, The Horse of Jenin, sold out at the Bush last year. Here are five reasons to book.
1. A road trip with a leaking container of olive oil
Every year, Alaa’s mother sends her sister in Amman a container of olive oil from his grandfather’s trees in Jenin, and every year Alaa delivers it himself. To do so, he must cross “the bridge” in the Jordan Valley, the only way Palestinians in the West Bank can leave or return home. This year, the container leaks, dripping oil all the way through border crossings and into Jordan.
2. Comedy with real heart
Alaa blends storytelling, stand-up and physical comedy into a high-energy, very human tale of family, connection, hope and joy, alongside the people who join him on this bizarre road trip.
3. A story about history, too
Set against the impacts of colonialism and the broken promises of the British in Palestine, the show is thought-provoking as well as funny. It’s co-written and directed by Sam Beale.
4. From the Palestine Comedy Club
The show is produced by Palestine Comedy Club, which co-creates and tours comedy shows with Palestinian artists and runs stand-up workshops throughout Palestine. An award-winning documentary about the project is touring internationally.
5. Great-value tickets and accessible shows
Tickets start from just £15, and under-30s and local residents can get up to £10 off with free membership. There’s a relaxed performance (7 November, 2.30pm), a captioned show (9 November, 7.30pm) and an audio-described performance with touch tour (10 November, 7.30pm).
Tickets and info
The Bridge
Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8LJ
Wednesday 28 October – Wednesday 11 November 2026
Monday to Saturday 7.30pm | Matinees 2.30pm on 31 October, 4, 7 and 11 November
£15 – £35 | Box office: 020 8743 5050
Nearest station: Shepherd’s Bush