• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

Showtime from the Frontline at Theatre Royal Stratford East

April 13, 2018 by Jessica Murray Leave a Comment

Review of: Showtime from the Frontline

Reviewed by: Jessica Murray
Rating:
5
On April 13, 2018
Last modified:April 16, 2018

Summary:

A wonderfully defiant piece using its comedy to mock and belittle power and authoritarianism

More Details

Part play, part comedy show, part documentary, Showtime from the Frontline is a unique hybrid piece of theatre. Its storyline follows the creation of a comedy workshop in Jenin refugee camp in occupied Palestine, battling against demonstrations, curfews, soldiers and tradition to put on a comedy show.

The course was organised by accomplished comedian and political satirist Mark Thomas (along with fellow comedian Dr Sam Beale), who tells the story with a zealous enthusiasm and in compelling detail. He is joined by two of his Palestinian students, Faisal Abu Alhayjaa and Alaa Shehada, who bring the workshop and students to life on stage. Their comedy delves into the reality of everyday life in Palestine, shunning misconceptions about downtrodden refugees who couldn’t possibly own an iPhone.

Although there were only three people physically on stage, care was taken to ensure the other comedy students were given their time to shine, either by being re-enacted by Faisal and Alaa, or through video clips projected on to a big screen.  Many of their skits were performed in Arabic and translated on stage, preserving their original delivery and authenticity.

Understandably, there was plenty of gallows humour. Osama Al-Azzeh, who travelled from Bethlehem and slept on the rehearsal room floor to take part in the workshop, joked how, as he left his mother’s womb, he caught a tear gas bomb and threw it back.

But the comedy was rich and varied, showing a group of Palestinians refusing to be defined by the military occupation. Saja Mary’s jokes portray her passion for K-pop, while Alaa laments the pressure his mother places on him to find a wife.

Directed by Joe Douglas, this is a fast-paced and vibrant piece of theatre, brimming with on-the-spot character changes and lots of physical comedy. At the start of the show, the scene is set using Faisal’s face as a map of the West Bank – his eyebrow is Jenin.

The piece is punctuated with occasional moments of poignancy, when the reality of the occupation isn’t easily converted to comedy.  Mark took time to pay respect to the Jenin Freedom Theatre’s founder, Juliano Mer-Khamis, who was shot and killed in 2011.

While the show is hilarious throughout, the performers really come into their own in the second half, a recreation of the comedy show itself, when the plot slows up and the performers’ comedic skill is given space to excel.

Overcoming cultural differences and some of the toughest circumstances, the jokes bring hysterical laughter from Theatre Royal Stratford East’s entire auditorium. The gun-toting occupiers may seek to bring fear to the Palestinians, but their comedy is truly bullet proof.

Author: Jessica Murray

Filed Under: Featured, Review Tagged With: Showtime from the Frontline

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Silent Faces on Godot is a Woman’s first UK Tour

Silent Faces return to the stage with their signature style of playful and political physical theatre, interrogating permission, patriarchy, and [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Max Rinehart on The Retreat

We spoke to actor Max Rinehart about his experience working on the European premiere of Jason Sherman’s The Retreat at [Read More]

NEWS / Frozen Light celebrate 10 years with Sensory Symposium

The UK’s premiere company for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities invites industry professionals of all genres and sensory [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Jenny Foulds on Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human

Performer Jenny Foulds tells us about her forthcoming one woman show Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human, coming to the [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Monique Touko on We Need New Names

We Need New Names is a defiant and exuberant coming-of-age story follows a young girl from the playgrounds of Zimbabwe [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Does Small to Mid Scale Theatre Touring Actually Work?
  • 5 Tools for Actors to Enter the Theatre World like a Pro
  • Inga Björn and Kristiina Tammisalo on Receptionists
  • Yasmin Paige on Actually
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Joseph Grimaldi Clown Memorial Service
  • Spotlight On: The London Clown Festival
  • Lily Bevan talks about Zoo
  • Jessica Murray
    Author

  • April 13th, 2018
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook1TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!