20-21 Jun 2025
The Beacon – Bowling Park
Penguin
Hamzeh Al Hussien & Amy Golding
One man’s extraordinary journey from Syria to England. “Be proud. Be who you are. Be more Penguin.”
“This is the story of my life (so far). People have a lot of questions. The answer is: ‘Yes. I can do anything.’ ”
Hamzeh Al Hussien arrived in the UK five years ago as part of the Syrian Resettlement Programme. And now in this stage show, this remarkable man is taking you with him on an unforgettable journey to the places he knows best.
Penguin takes us from Hamzeh’s village in the Syrian mountains to Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan and on to his new home in Gateshead. And it takes us inside his mind, a place full of music, dancing, fantasies… and marbles. Hamzeh invited the audience to be his childhood friends, to hold up the Moon to light his way, and to join him in his dreams.
“This is the story of a journey, my journey, and it’s all true.”
“Uplifting tale of finding self-acceptance and joy” **** – The Stage
“an extraordinary tale, told with beautiful simplicity” – Disability Arts Online
Watch the trailer
Images © Photos by Ish
Past event
Were you at this event?
Let us know what you thought on social media or find out what’s on soon!
See what's on
Related Events
15 & 16 Oct 2026
How Soon is Now
Box of Tricks
An indie musical about mates, music and magic – set to a live soundtrack of 90s classics.
Fri 23 Oct 2026
Loaded Laughs
BFD Comedy
Our ever-popular comedy night returns to Loading Bay
Thu 5 Nov 2026
Palingenesis and Non-Ordinary Services – Double-bill
D_Antidote Production
A double-bill of contemporary dance from Taiwan by The Stage award-winners D_Antidote Production.
6 Nov 2026
Flat & the Curves: Rosé Tinted
Award-winning comedy girl band Flat & the Curves return with their well-aged cabaret, Rosé Tinted!
Fri 20 Nov 2026
