TICKETS NOW ON SALE:
Tickets are now available for the highly anticipated Palestinian Comedy Night, a highlight of the week-long Festival of Palestinian Culture taking place in Dorchester this August. This exceptional evening of comedy will showcase acclaimed British and Palestinian comedians alongside local talent at The King’s Arms, Dorchester, on Friday, 29 August 2025.
Headlining the event is Sami Abu Wardeh, named one of the Guardian’s top 10 comedy acts of 2022. Abu Wardeh has performed at prestigious venues across the UK and brought his acclaimed show ‘Bedu’ to the Edinburgh Festival in partnership with the Soho Theatre. He also wrote and starred in the satirical series ‘The Sheikh’ for Channel 4 Digital.
The evening will also feature comedy’s rising star Farah Sharp, named ‘One to Watch’ in the Funny Women Awards 2023, alongside talented performers Joe Haddad, Af Marseh, and Mark Pencherz. Local Dorchester comedian Gavin Egan will serve as MC for this special night of entertainment.
MC Gavin Egan, who is involved with the Dorchester Hardy Har Comedy Festival, commented, “I’m really excited to be hosting such a fantastic lineup. It’s going to be an evening with lots of laughter and a little bit of mayhem. I host a regular comedy night in Dorchester called Blow Your Own Trumpet, and the crowds here are very supportive of comedy. When times are tough, comedy can provide a welcome relief and an opportunity to view the world through the sharp observations of these talented comedians.”
The Palestinian Comedy Night represents an important aspect of the broader Festival of Palestinian Culture, which aims to showcase Palestinian cultural heritage, amplify Palestinian voices, and foster understanding at a time when the identity continues to face existential threats.
“Comedy has always been a way for disenfranchised communities to get through difficult times,” said Neil Payne from the organisers, Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign. “It’s a way of dealing with trauma, sharing stories, and expressing culture and identity. We also need to understand that Palestine is more than its suffering. This is a very old culture that even Shakespeare mentions. We want to celebrate that culture and allow its art, music, poetry, and food to be seen, heard, felt, and tasted.”
The Comedy Night is one of many events taking place over the week-long festival program that includes an art exhibition, music performances, workshops, film screenings, and a full festival day in Borough Gardens.
EVENT DETAILS:
- What: Palestinian Comedy Night
- When: Friday, 29 August 2025, doors open at 7:15pm/show starts 7:30pm
- Where: The King’s Arms, Dorchester, Dorset
- Tickets: £16 available at tinyurl.com/palcom25
Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly. Purchase early to avoid disappointment.
