A stage adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s international bestselling novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo will arrive at Oxford Playhouse this spring as part of a UK tour.
The production runs from Tuesday 5 May to Saturday 9 May 2026, bringing one of the most widely read and talked-about novels of recent years to the stage.
Adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler – whose previous work includes The Kite Runner – the play tells a story of displacement, survival and hope in the face of conflict.
What is The Beekeeper of Aleppo about?
The story follows Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra, an artist, whose lives in the Syrian city of Aleppo are shattered by war.
Forced to flee their home, they embark on a dangerous journey across countries and borders, carrying with them grief, trauma and the hope of rebuilding their lives.
At its heart, the story explores themes of loss, resilience and human connection, focusing on the emotional journey as much as the physical one.
A novel brought to life on stage
First published to widespread acclaim, The Beekeeper of Aleppo became an international number one bestseller and was recognised with major literary awards.
The stage adaptation premiered at Nottingham Playhouse and has since toured the UK and Ireland, earning strong reviews for its sensitive and visually inventive storytelling.
Critics have praised the production for its emotional impact, with The Guardian calling it “a plea for humanity” and The Observer describing it as “impossible not to be moved”.
Cast and creative team
The Oxford run features a cast led by:
- Adam Sina as Nuri (War Horse, National Theatre)
- Farah Saffari as Afra (Sex Education, Netflix)
- Joseph Long as Mustafa / Moroccan Man
- Aram Mardourian as Nadim / Fotakis / Ali
The wider cast includes Alia Lahlou, Princess Khumalo and Dona Atallah, with ensemble performances from Mohsen Ghaffari and Helena Massoud.
The production is directed by Anthony Almeida, with the original direction by Miranda Cromwell.
Why this production stands out
Unlike many stage adaptations, The Beekeeper of Aleppo focuses on emotional storytelling and human experience rather than spectacle.
Its subject matter, centred on migration and conflict, continues to resonate strongly with audiences, making it one of the more thought-provoking productions to visit Oxford this year.
Performance details
- Show: The Beekeeper of Aleppo
- Venue: Oxford Playhouse
- Dates: Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 May 2026
- Age guidance: 14+
- Tickets from: £15
Full Beekeeper of Aleppo UK tour dates
| Dates | Venue | Location |
| 7 – 28 Feb 2026 | Nottingham Playhouse | Nottingham |
| 3 – 7 Mar 2026 | Aylesbury Theatre | Aylesbury |
| 10 – 14 Mar 2026 | Richmond Theatre | Richmond |
| 17 – 21 Mar 2026 | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre | Guildford |
| 24 – 28 Mar 2026 | Salisbury Playhouse | Salisbury |
| 31 Mar – 4 Apr 2026 | Theatre Royal Bath | Bath |
| 14 – 18 Apr 2026 | Malvern Theatre | Malvern |
| 21 – 25 Apr 2026 | Storyhouse | Chester |
| 28 Apr – 2 May 2026 | Gaiety Theatre | Dublin |
| 5 – 9 May 2026 | Oxford Playhouse | Oxford |
| 12 – 16 May 2026 | New Theatre | Peterborough |
| 19 – 23 May 2026 | Theatre Severn | Shrewsbury |
| 26 – 30 May 2026 | Grand Theatre | Blackpool |
| 2 – 6 Jun 2026 | Everyman Theatre | Cheltenham |
| 9 – 13 Jun 2026 | Theatre Royal | Brighton |
Why it’s worth seeing
For Oxford audiences, this production offers a chance to see a powerful contemporary story brought to life by an experienced cast and creative team.
With a short run at the Playhouse and strong critical reception behind it, it is likely to appeal to theatre-goers looking for a more reflective and emotionally driven production.
Tickets are available via the Oxford Playhouse box office on 01865 305305 or at oxfordplayhouse.com.
