The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Richmond Theatre

‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’, adapted for the stage by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler, is based on Christy Lefteri’s bestselling novel. The play follows the story of Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra as they navigate a dangerous journey from war-torn Syria to the UK. The couple’s experiences are shaped by the trauma they faced during the war, and the challenges they encounter as refugees seeking safety and a new home. As Nuri and Afra struggle through Turkey and Greece, leaving behind the shattered remains of their lives, audiences bear witness to their resilience and strength and see the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Lefteri’s novel is a powerful story that offers a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by refugees, and the play adaptation seeks to bring that story to the stage. This new adaptation has the potential to be gut wrenchingly perfect, but unfortunately the writing is a little formulaic and clunky, and the original story has been changed significantly, which presents some questions about whether the novel’s emotional impact fully translates well into the theatre. That said, the adaptation still offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience, and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, and the profound impact of displacement and loss at a time when it couldn’t be more important to remember.

Alfred Clay delivers a remarkable portrayal of Nuri. An incredibly strong and skilled performer, he captures the main character’s complex emotions and struggles in a way that touches the heart. Roxy Faridany is equally impressive as Afra, skilfully portraying the character’s increasing blindness and the toll it takes on her. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their performances bring a sense of authenticity and rawness to the play in a way that forgives the mechanic script writing.

Joseph Long shines as Mustafa, Nuri’s uncle and fellow beekeeper, providing a mesmerizing performance that highlights the beauty and richness of Syrian culture. Scenes with Mustafa offer a glimpse into the happier moments of Nuri’s past life, where he and his family would gather for dinner and celebrate the joys of living in sun-drenched Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest civilizations. These scenes are a poignant reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the devastating impact of war and displacement on its people.

The impact of the war is also reflected in the powerful and symbolic set design created by master designer, Ruby Pugh. The set serves as a reflection of the stark contrast between the comforts taken for granted (such as a bed or a chair) and the barren and desolate landscapes of a war-torn country. The use of multimedia, including projections, text, and music, adds depth and complexity to the storytelling experience, staying true to the essence of Lefteri’s novel.

The beautiful visual effects created by Ravi Deepres and lighting and sound, by Ben Ormerod and Tingying Dong, are breathtaking and perfectly complement the music composed by Elaha Soroor, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and emotional. Ruby Pugh’s set, which quite literally features the shifting sands of time, captures the impermanence that is the life of a refugee. The scenes set at sea are particularly compelling, conveyed through clever lighting techniques that create a sense of danger and uncertainty as the cast cling to a rubber dingy, an image of war that has unfortunately become too familiar over the years.

Overall, the creative and production team, headed up by Director Miranda Cromwell, have achieved an outstanding task of bringing the story to life, creating a unique and powerful experience, coupled with outstanding performances that make the story come alive, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

The play runs at the Richmond Theatre, London until 6th May 2023, before continuing its UK tour. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-beekeeper-of-aleppo/richmond-theatre

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 2nd May 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★