Step and a Half
The Palestinian Circus returns with a brand-new production combining contemporary circus, physical theatre and powerful storytelling. Created by one of the leading circus companies in the Middle East, the show brings together extraordinary skill, humour and humanity to explore resilience, connection and the realities of everyday life through movement and performance. Performing at the SOHO THEATRE, WALTHAMSTOW 31st July – 2nd August and the EDINBURGH FRINGE 2026 8th – 29th August (excluding 17th and 24th August)
For Showponies, it is a privilege to bring this remarkable work to UK audiences and support the Palestinian Circus in sharing its incredible skill, artistry and resilience.
Video Credit: Sam Campbell
Photo credit: Alex Coley
awe-inspiring spectacle full of energy, resilience and joy
Blending breathtaking circus disciplines with a distinctive artistic voice, Step and a Half offers audiences an uplifting and unforgettable experience, showcasing the creativity, talent and spirit of Palestinian artists on an international stage.
A rhythmic circus celebration of Palestinian life, culture, and enduring hope, ‘A Step And A Half’ creates a unique physical language where circus becomes part of daily life, dance and resistance. Rooted in the iconic rhythms and communal spirit of Dabkeh, the performance combines breathtaking circus skills with movement, music and storytelling to create an awe-inspiring spectacle full of energy, resilience and joy.
Photo credit: Alex Coley
“The audiences in London and Edinburgh will not see a story of suffering. They will see love of life”
Executive Director Mohamad Rabah said: 'The audiences in London and Edinburgh will not see a story of suffering. They will see love of life. They will see people who chose celebration over despair, who turned their culture, their bodies, and their imagination into something breathtaking. Step and a Half is cultural resistance through joy, through beauty, through a humanity that refuses to be reduced.
There are children in the Palestine who will hear that Palestinian circus artists performed at Edinburgh and London. Our artists grew up in the same towns, carried the same weight. When those children see that someone from here reached that stage, it stops being a dream that belongs to other people.’
Photo credit: Alex Coley
“using circus arts to nurture resilience and creative expression in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable”
Leila Jones, Director of Showponies said: 'Showponies are delighted to work again with this incredible project and company, after bringing the tent to its feet last year at the shows first outings at Glastonbury Festival. The Palestinian Circus School has spent over two decades using circus arts to nurture resilience and creative expression in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. We are honoured to be part of bringing these extraordinary artists to British stages, and we can't wait for audiences to experience the beauty, skill, and humanity they bring to every performance.'
Press Reviews
“…we reserve five stars for the performances which will stay with us not just for the season, but forever: this was certainly one of those”
— Everything Theatre“Life-affirming and aimed at all ages, Step and A Half is a triumph of traditional routines, wowing and seducing the audience with remarkable feats.”
— Fest Mag“*****The Palestinian Circus delivers an extraordinary display of joy, resilience and hope that is intoxicating to watch”
— The Scotsman