Bye Bye London (Arabic: باي باي لندن) is a Kuwaiti play that became popular across the Arab world for its satirical portrayal of cultural differences and societal issues. Written by Abdulhussain Abdulredha and directed by Munsif Al-Suwaisi and Kazem Al-Qallaf, the play debuted for the first time on November 18, 1981.[1] The cast of the play includes Abdulhussain Abdulredha, Ghanem Al-Saleh, Haifa Adel, Maryam Al Ghadhban and Mohammed Jaber. It also marked the rise of new actors Dawood Hussein and Intisar Al-Sharrah. It uses humor to reflect the changes taking place in the region at the time, addressing themes like cultural exchange, the clash between modernity and tradition, and the influence of Western culture on Arab societies, particularly in the context of London, a common destination for Arab travelers at that time.[2] The play is one of the most famous plays in the Arab world, and many critics have chosen it as one of the top 10 Arab plays.[3][4][5][6]
Bye Bye London is noted for its combination of humor with social critique, a characteristic of Abdulhussain's work. Its continued relevance is evident in modern Gulf culture. The play was both commercially and critically successful, running for multiple seasons. Its humor and relatable themes resonated with audiences, especially those who had traveled to the West and faced similar challenges in adapting to a new culture. The play reflects a time in Gulf history when the region was navigating globalization and modernization. Its critique of both Arab and Western attitudes has ensured its relevance, even as circumstances have changed. The play is taught in theater programs across the Arab world.[7]
On July 31, 2021, the renowned artist Intisar Al-Sharrah passed away in London. She had played a leading role in the iconic play that launched her career, propelling her to stardom in the world of arts. Four years earlier, on August 11, 2017, the play's main star, Abdulhussain Abdulredha, also passed away in London, succumbing to illness after several days in intensive care. Before them, their co-star Ghanem Al-Saleh had passed away in the same city on October 19, 2010, due to lung cancer. Thus, the three main stars of the play, Bye Bye London, all said their final farewells in the city where they had performed, as if life and death were intertwined with the play's title.[8][9][10]