Ahead of the Curtain: Previewing The Beekeeper of Aleppo
Written by Katie Barr
The scent of jasmine and the low, rhythmic hum of a thriving hive are perhaps the last things one expects to encounter in a story born from the wreckage of war, yet they form the soul of the extraordinary production returning to the Nottingham Playhouse this spring. The stage will once again belong to The Beekeeper of Aleppo, a play that doesn’t just depict a journey across borders, but a journey into the very heart of what it means to be human. Following its acclaimed world premier in 2023, this restaging promises an even more urgent and revitalised experience for those who missed its first flight or those drawn back by its haunting beauty.
At the centre of this sweeping narrative are Nuri and Afra, a couple whose lives in the ancient, sun-drenched city of Aleppo were once defined by simple joys: the art she painted and the bees he tended. When the unthinkable happens and their world is reduced to rubble, they are forced to embark on a perilous trek toward an uncertain future. But as they navigate the physical dangers of the Mediterranean and the cold indifference of bureaucracy, they carry a heavier burden – the silent, crushing weight of grief so profound it threatens to pull them apart just when they need each other the most. It is a story of connection, reminding us that even when everything is lost, the threads of love and shared memory are the only things capable of leading us home.
This 2026 production breathes new life into the adaptation by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler, the same visionary team behind the global hit The Kite Runner. Under the direction of the multi-award winning Anthony Almeida, a new cast takes up the mantle of these vivid characters. Adam Sina steps into the role of Nuri, bringing a fresh perspective to the beekeeper’s quiet strength, while Farah Saffari portrays Afra, the artist whose internal world has been fractured by trauma. They are supported by a soulful company, including returning favourites Joseph Long and Aram Mardourian, who ensure that the wit and hardship of Christy Lefteri’s sensational novel are balanced with masterful precision.
What makes this production particularly enticing is its commitment to atmosphere. The creative team, featuring designer Ruby Pugh and composer Elaha Soroor, works in harmony to evoke contrast between the golden warmth of the Syrian apiaries and the stark, grey realities of the refugee experience. The play famously uses the metaphor of the bee – a creature that exists in a society of complete harmony – to pose a challenging question to the audience. Why can humans not achieve the same? It is a call to recognise the extraordinary resilience found in everyday lives, making it a piece of theatre that feels more relevant with every passing news cycle.
Whether you are drawn by the prestige of the source material or the chance to see a world class production in your own City, The Beekeeper of Aleppo stands as the must-see event of the season. It is a play that will make you look at the world differently, long after the final hum of the bees has faded into silence. Tickets are available now so make sure to grab them! Not from Nottingham? Check to see if your city is on this year’s tour here.
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In-article images provided by the Nottingham Theatre Royal. No changes were made to these images.
Featured Image provided by the Nottingham Theatre Royal.
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