PalesTEENian’s review – an interesting story of the famous is very difficult | Theater

JOne Haddad’s solo show is an independent genre that tells us about his comedy journey. It also includes a discussion of his dual history as a Palestinian from south London and becomes a coming-of-age story.

Born in Croydon, to Arab Christian parents from Jerusalem, he faced discrimination at his Catholic school, including “Jew-boy” taunts because there was little understanding of Palestine and his work history. It follows him into adulthood, and it is thought, Anglicised, the stage name of Joe Adams, for fear of being disowned (although his mother tells him not to mention Palestine during gigs).

But the show, he makes clear, is not all doom and gloom. There is no need for anyone to worry about saying the P word. They will never use the I word again (indeed, they have done well to avoid mentioning Israel’s name even once). He leads with joy and humor and family members who are happily dragged along on his journey to Jerusalem, and confesses his love for Chelsea FC.

There are some great lines – “Tonight I am to be on the square,” he says, and he has a great look but nothing that connects or creates his own unique style.

It doesn’t really jump, but it jumps a lot, from funny to dramatic, and not punchy anymore. He sings zatar, tells us about Arab hospitality and lovingly gives us the impression of his noble Palestinian mother. He talks about the cultural expectation to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer, and his departure into comedy. The show is cute in its humor but soft and very familiar. Football jerseys surround him but this seems like a red herring – football is only mentioned in cosmetic ways.

He also talks about 7 October 2023, from hearing about the attack by Hamas to the horrific images of death coming out of Gaza. But this part comes in short, flashy sentences, not fighting enough when it’s mentioned. Many topics are covered in 80 minutes in total and surprisingly the show is limited and unstable as a result – a précis that does not manage to release the great potential of its story.