Palestinian actor, comedian and Fringe First winner Alaa Shehada returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with ‘The Bridge’, a new solo show inspired by a journey made by hundreds of thousands of Palestinians every year. Running at Assembly Roxy from 6-16 August, the production combines storytelling, stand-up, physical comedy and theatre to tell the story of a trip from Alaa's home in Jenin in the occupied West Bank to neighbouring Jordan. At the centre of the journey is a large yellow container of olive oil from his family's annual harvest. Packed by his mother in Jenin and destined for her sister in Amman, the gift accompanies Alaa as he travels through a series of Palestinian, Israeli occupation and Jordanian checkpoints known collectively as ‘the bridge’ - the only route through which Palestinians living in the West Bank can leave and return home. Inspired by his own experiences, ‘The Bridge’ uses humour, vivid storytelling and a cast of memorable characters to explore what this crossing means to the people who make it every day. Along the way, Alaa reflects on family, belonging and the simple hope that one day Palestinians might be able to travel freely through an airport of their own. The show follows the success of ‘The Horse of Jenin’, which won a Fringe First Award in 2025 before returning to Edinburgh in 2026 following a sold-out run and widespread critical acclaim. Like its predecessor, ‘The Bridge’ focuses on everyday life rather than political rhetoric, finding warmth, absurdity and humanity in the experiences of ordinary people. Alaa Shehada said: “Every Palestinian knows the bridge. It is a place of waiting, frustration, reunions, goodbyes and hope. For some people, it represents freedom, for others, separation. It is the place where journeys begin and end. “The olive oil I carry in the show is something very ordinary, but it represents so much more. It's family, memory, home and connection. ‘The Bridge’ is ultimately about people and the things that bind us together, even when we are separated by borders and distance. “After the response to ‘The Horse of Jenin’, I wanted to tell another story that audiences may never have encountered before, but one that is instantly recognisable in its themes of family, belonging and the desire to stay connected to the people we love.” ‘The Bridge’ forms part of a wider Edinburgh Fringe programme presented by Palestine Comedy Club, which showcases Palestinian voices through comedy, theatre and storytelling. Alongside ‘The Bridge’, the company will present Fringe First-winning hit ‘The Horse of Jenin’, which returns following its acclaimed 2025 run, and ‘Hanna Shammas Takes It To Heart’, a new solo show exploring identity, health, belonging and life in the Palestinian diaspora. Together, the productions offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience a range of contemporary Palestinian stories, exploring themes of friendship, identity, belonging and everyday life through lived experience.

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