On 26th May 2026, I had the privilege of seeing The Beekeeper of Aleppo, directed by Anthony Almeida, at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, and it was an exceptional and deeply moving performance. Based on the powerful novel by Christy Lefteri, the production tells the heartbreaking story of Syrian refugees Nuri and Afra as they flee their homeland in search of safety and hope. What made the performance so compelling was the humanity at its core. Through the eyes of Nuri and Afra, and with contributions from family and friends they meet along the way, the audience experiences not only the horrors of displacement, but also the profound love they had for their home and the simple life they cherished in Syria.
One of the most powerful underlying themes in The Beekeeper of Aleppo is the comparison between a bee colony and the experience of refugees. Bees survive through community, co-operation, and an unbreakable sense of purpose. Every bee has a role within the hive, and together they create something safe, and nurturing. In much the same way, refugees often come from close-knit communities where family, friendship, routine, and belonging form the foundation of daily life. Like the bees cared for by Nuri, the people of Syria in the story cherished the simplicity and beauty of their existence before conflict destroyed it.
When a hive is disturbed or destroyed, bees become disoriented, vulnerable, and separated from the place they instinctively call home. Refugees experience a similar upheaval. Forced to flee violence and persecution, they are removed not only from their physical homes but also from their identity, security, and sense of belonging.
The journey they undertake is often dangerous and traumatic, much like a swarm searching desperately for somewhere safe to rebuild. Yet bees are also symbols of resilience. Even after devastation, they continue searching for shelter and work together to create a new hive. Refugees, too, demonstrate extraordinary resilience as they attempt to rebuild their lives in unfamiliar countries while carrying the emotional scars of loss and displacement. Nuri’s identity as a beekeeper makes this comparison especially powerful. Beekeeping requires patience, care, gentleness, and understanding — qualities that mirror the compassion refugees desperately need from those around them. This story therefore becomes a quiet reminder that human societies are not so different. Communities flourish when people show kindness, cooperation, and empathy towards one another, particularly towards those who have lost everything.
The performances throughout The Beekeeper of Aleppo were exceptional, led superbly by Adam Sina as Nuri and Farah Saffari as Afra, supported by an outstanding ensemble cast playing multiple roles. Sina portrayed Nuri with exactly the right balance of emotion, strength, and determination, convincingly showing a man forced to make impossible decisions in order to protect his family. His final scenes were especially powerful, revealing the devastating weight of trauma and the emotional burden of the choices he had made. It was acting in its finest form — completely believable and perfectly cast. Saffari brought warmth and depth to Afra, beautifully capturing a woman profoundly affected by trauma while still fiercely protective of her husband. Her performance created wonderful light and shade between the two central characters, although at times some of her dialogue was difficult to hear. Dona Atallah (Mohamed / Sami) completed the central trio as one of the few cast members not to multirole, bringing innocence and emotional clarity to the production. Joseph Long (Mustafa / Moroccan man) was another standout presence throughout, seamlessly shifting between roles while consistently offering emotional support and humanity to Nuri and Afra. For the remainder of the cast, it would almost be unfair to single out individuals, as every performer contributed something vital to the storytelling and played their multiple roles with remarkable skill and authenticity.
Visually, the production was outstanding. The set design was deceptively simple yet incredibly effective. Through imaginative use of lighting and projected graphics, the audience was seamlessly transported between locations: from Syria to England, from the intimidating environment of the Home Office to the sterile atmosphere of an NHS waiting room, from the perilous boat journey to the park in Athens where the couple became stranded, and finally to the English coast. The transitions between scenes flowed effortlessly, allowing the story to continue without interruption and maintaining the emotional intensity throughout. The careful consideration given to the staging ensured that every scene felt purposeful and immersive. The set, lighting and graphic designs were a particularly impressive part of this production.
Overall, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a remarkable piece of theatre — emotional, thought-provoking, and visually stunning. It is a story that stays with you long after the curtain falls, reminding audiences not only of the realities faced by refugees, but also of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of compassion.
Review – Jen O’Beirne
On – 26.05.26
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