one4review | On 13, Aug 2026

Sami Abu Wardeh disorientates us with a silly, joyful, mesmerising opening where he creates his own entrance music.

The Palestinian comedian was raised part Catholic, part Islamic — depending on when holidays fell.

Abu Wardeh tells a story that takes us through his experience of leaving Palestine, where his family are caught up in war, through England, to Dubai, and eventually back again.

There is first-class clowning. I really think this can be seen as an aside: it’s clear that Abu Wardeh could create an amazing pure clown show, but has chosen not to. He has something he wants to say.

Everything works: the riffs, the jokes, the physical comedy and the delightful crowd work. There’s a genuine feeling of connection and wry playfulness with us.

The main thing that sticks out about Abu Wardeh is his ability to react to things in the moment. In fact, it’s more powerful than the material itself — not to say that his material isn’t really really funny. It is.

There’s clearly a natural anger in him too. He’s very, very socially aware and a massive injustice has been done to him and his people . But he’s not on a soap box for more than a few seconds before making us cackle again.

At one point, he does all the accents he can do from across the world, stopping at the exact point where it’s no longer comfortable. He knows exactly where that line is and makes us laugh right up to it.

I loved the Men in Black bit. Hard not to if you lived through the 90s.

He repeatedly launches into a ridiculously committed rendition of the song, making every sound himself. It’s ridiculous and very, very funny.

The interspersed moments of clowning are really, really high level. There are stupid faces, impressions and physical comedy sitting alongside material about Palestine, his childhood, Dubai and the strange places society — usually with a kid who’s been earmarked for the job — decides hatred is and isn’t acceptable.

The written material is highly sharpened satire that cuts deep, causing a couple of walkouts. This isn’t for everyone. Zionists beware, although there’s a lot of Wardeh poking fun at himself

The show’s light, linear arc means that, in terms of a Fringe show, we’re left wanting more.

There’s simply Abu Wardeh and a mic. I didn’t detect even a change in lighting. He makes all the sound effects himself. Perhaps with a richer structure and a little more theatre-making, this show could go up another level.

I also feel those extra elements need to include more of Abu Wardeh playing with the audience. He’s magnetic, and we want more of that.

Those were my favourite moments. There’s something inside him when he’s reacting — his anger, mischief and ability to seize whatever is happening in the room — that feels even more exciting than the written material.

His clown-off against a member of Her Majesty’s Service is top-class clowning – a worthy closer to his show. There’s a girl in the front row doubled over by the end.

Despite the light structure, by the end I feel like I really know Sami Abu Wardeh.

I also heard two people saying as they left: “That is exactly what I needed.”

Sami Abu Wardeh is a fully accomplished, powerful clowning performer who clearly has stand-up chops.

Definitely catch this clown-satire powerhouse before he sells out.

****

Reviewed by Stephen “Sharpie” Sharp
Pleasance Courtyard
Until 30 August (not 17)
22.00 (1 hour)