REVIEW: PALESTINE: Peace de Resistance - The Weight Behind the Punchline

An hour of character, clown, stand-up and storytelling from the Fringe’s only Palestinian comedian sounds like a wild ride, and Peace de Resistance delivers far more than that. Layered, fearless, hilarious and precise, Sami Abu Wardeh’s latest solo show is a masterclass in both comedy and craft.

Structured as a collage of characters and timelines, the show introduces us to a cast of resistance fighters, exiled lovers, and yes, birds. Each character offers a glimpse into historical struggle, ancestral memory, and absurdity, creating something that feels both ancient and sharply of-the-moment.

What truly sets Peace de Resistance apart is its extraordinary sense of rhythm. Sami owns the room from the first moment, controlling the emotional arc with the precision of a virtuoso. Just as the audience begins to sink into grief, or outrage, or laughter that has gone a bit too far, he changes course. Through clowning, physical comedy, or a devastating line delivered with ease, he brings us back, always at exactly the right time. One moment, you are breathless under the red-green-white lights, shaken by generational trauma and the realities of statelessness. The next, you are crying with laughter at his absurd physicality and dark jokes. And somehow, it all flows. Each transition in tone is seamless. Every ridiculous moment carries the weight of something painfully real.

The hand puppetry sequence is particularly effective. It begins with lighthearted bird banter and performative silliness, but gradually builds into a moment of symbolic conflict and haunting violence. The emotional impact lands fully because we laughed first.

This is a work that demands attention not only for its politics, but for its artistic excellence. It is angry and generous, radical and refined. Sami doesn’t just tell stories. He shapes them into unforgettable performances. Beneath it all runs the weight of Palestine, legacy, loss, and resistance, held with grace and ferocity.

Yes, resistance can be clever. It can be devastating. And yes, resistance can be funny.

★★★★★

This show is currently performing at Ace Dome at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe until 24th August (no 12th, 21st). For more information, please visit: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/palestine-peace-de-resistance

Credits

Playwright & Performer: Sami Abu-Wardeh
Director: Sam Beale
Producer: Qasim Salam
Supported by: Counterpoints and Palestine Comedy Club

About Sami Abu Wardeh
Sami Abu Wardeh (‘Blissfully funny…’ The Guardian) is a rising star of the Palestinian diaspora and UK comedy and theatre world. After bursting onto the scene with his hit live show BEDU (Top Ten Shows of 2022 – The Guardian) he went on to create and star in Channel 4 series THE SHEIKH. He is also a playwright, having had his work put on as part of CUTTING THE TIGHTROPE at the Arcola Theatre and has written for BBC Radio 4. His voice is fantastic (literally): his voice work includes a recurring role in Radio 4 sitcom DAMNED ANDREW and regularly reads for The Guardian’s LONG READ podcast.

©️PEACE DE RESISTANCE - Zoë Birkbeck Photography