From Syria to the stage: Award-winning production returns for second national tour

An Extraordinary Story of Resilience, Identity & Self-Acceptance 

Following its acclaimed debut, Penguin returns to the stage in 2025 with its captivating energy, humour, and powerful message of self-acceptance and discovery. The innovative production offers audiences a unique and intimate look into writer and performer Hamzeh Al Hussien’s extraordinary journey as a refugee and the places he knows Hamzeh's extraordinary experiences as a refugee and the places he knows best: his village in the Syrian mountains, the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, his home in Gateshead, and inside his mind—a place full of music, dancing, fantasies, and marbles. As Syria enters a new era after the fall of former President Bashar Al-Assad, Penguin is more important than ever. After 14 years of war and displacement, millions of Syrians continue to seek safety, navigating new identities in unfamiliar countries while watching their homeland change from afar. Hamzeh’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and self-acceptance, offering audiences a deeply personal perspective on the human impact of migration, conflict, and finding joy in adversity. Penguin toured the UK in 2023, earning rave reviews and awarding Hamzeh Best Newcomer at the North East Culture Awards. Now, as the world watches Syria’s next chapter unfold, this show provides a rare and timely perspective on survival, adaptation, and reclaiming your own story. 

Be proud. Be who you are. Be more Penguin.

About Hamzeh Al Hussien

Hamzeh is a disabled artist from Syria who arrived in Gateshead six years ago through the UK’s Syrian Resettlement Programme. He discovered theatre in Za’atari refugee camp, where he trained in physical theatre and led drama projects with disabled children. In 2023, he won Best Newcomer at the North East Culture Awards for Penguin. His story has recently come full circle—performing Penguin in the Za’atari refugee camp in November of last year for those still on their sanctuary seeking journey. Hamzeh’s journey has taken profound new turns—he has been reunited with his mother after seven years apart, and he has recently gained British citizenship, marking a new chapter in his life. 

Hamzeh on Penguin 

"I created Penguin to reclaim a word once used to bully me for my disability. The show tells the story of my life—from Syria to a refugee camp in Jordan to Gateshead—but really, it’s about self-acceptance. "Through dance, I explore my evolving relationship with my body—from watching Dabke at weddings in my village, to discovering movement with disabled artists in Za’atari, experiencing clubbing in the UK, and now using Penguin to express what my unique body can do. "I invite the audience into my world—to smell the places I’ve been, play marbles with me onstage, and dance with me to some very loud, energetic tunes.” 

About the Production 

Penguin is directed by Amy Golding, with Steph Connell joining as the new producer. Amy’s previous directing work includes Leaving by Paddy Campbell, HERE by Lindsay Rodden, Beats North by Luke Barnes and Ishy Din, and Mamela by Gez Casey and Ziphozahke Hlobo.

Amy on Penguin

"Penguin feels more vital than ever now, it's an uplifting story in a time when immigration is under attack and those seeking sanctuary are scapegoated. The show invites you into Hamzeh’s world—his resilience, humour, and unwavering spirit. It’s personal, intimate, and full of heart. As well as some great tunes! Hamzeh and I have been friends and collaborators for seven years now, sharing laughter, struggles, and countless adventures. Helping him tell his story—and facilitating his reunion with his mum after seven years apart—has been a true privilege."