The Bridge

The Bridge description

Alaa's ordinary annual journey becomes extraordinary in The Bridge.

The Bridge is a new autobiographical solo play written and performed by Alaa Shehada, co-written with Sam Beale who also directs. It's one of the Bush Theatre's inaugural 2026–27 season with Artistic Director Taio Lawson at the helm. 

Every year, Alaa's mum sends a gift of olive oil from the family's trees to her sister in Jordan. Alaa takes the container over the King Hussein Bridge, the only crossing most West Bank Palestinians can use for international travel and the main route to Jordan. This time, when the container starts to leak, a wonderfully human story unfolds about family and connection, exploring separation and exile, home, identity, resilience and colonial history, told with humour and laced with hope. 

The King Hussein Bridge is associated with long waits, intrusive inspections and stressful uncertainty. For Palestinians, simply visiting relatives abroad means they're forced to navigate it. The play turns this real-life experience into compelling theatre, an unconventional drama blending stand-up comedy with autobiographical storytelling, physical comedy, audience interaction, and an emotional personal narrative. 

This high-energy drama moves audiences between humour and heartbreak at breakneck speed. Playwright Alaa Shehada's previous solo show The Horse of Jenin was hugely popular, another hint it is an experience to remember. It's perfect for people who thrive on politically engaged theatre, enjoy hearing from under-represented voices, and like to see top quality productions.

Buy The Bridge tickets for laugh-out-loud moments, brilliant observational comedy, absurd situations, searing emotional honesty and insightful political reflection.

Playing at Bush Theatre

7 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8LJ GB (venue info)

Directions