True breakthrough moments at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe belong to artists who use vulnerability as a vehicle for structural and cultural change, acting as a rigorous proving ground for new writing every August. As the festival gears up for its 2026 run, one of the most anticipated world premieres arriving in Scotland is Crush —a tender, funny, and deeply necessary British-Somali rom-com that unpacks identity, connection, and the intricate messiness of healing.
Staged at Clover (Underbelly Bristo Square) from August 5 to August 30, 2026, the production marks the playwriting debut of acclaimed Dugsi Dayz actor Hadsan Mohamud.
A Vital Lens on Mental Health and Identity
Directed by Alena Sahota and performed by Mohamud alongside fellow Dugsi Dayz standout Mohamed Hashi, Crush follows two Somali teens who cross paths in a clinic waiting room. Najma (played by Mohamud), who has been in treatment for years, sketches while Zakariya (played by Hashi), just starting out, writes poems. Neither is initially ready to talk, but as their sessions continue, a delicate rhythm of chats, jokes, and guarded secrets takes root.
Already featured in British Vogue and longlisted for the Tony Craze Award 2025, the play draws directly from Mohamud’s own lived experience with an eating disorder. By setting the narrative within a clinical space, the production deliberately tackles mental health conversations within Black and Muslim communities —spaces where such struggles are too often left unspoken.
As Mohamud noted ahead of the run:
“Crush is a tender, funny love story that follows two young people navigating connection while dealing with their own inner struggles. I wanted to create something that feels honest but still full of warmth, where audiences can laugh, recognise themselves, and feel less alone.”
The Significance of the Debut and Global Resonance
For arts observers watching from broader international perspectives, including those tracking the growth of the Pan-African creative ecosystem, Crush represents a vital shift in how contemporary diaspora stories claim space on global stages. The production proves that authentic stories rooted in specific cultural realities possess universal resonance. It bypasses tired tropes to offer a nuanced portrayal of youth, systemic care, and emotional survival.
Supported by Kayd Somali Arts and general managed by SH Productions, the creative team behind Crush brings exceptional pedigree to the Underbelly stage. Mohamud’s background, honing her craft with the National Youth Theatre, Orange Tree Theatre, and Bush Theatre Young Company, culminates in a debut that feels remarkably assured. Alongside Hashi’s screen and stage credits and Sahota’s dynamic directorial eye, the production is built on solid artistic architecture.
If you are navigating the Edinburgh Fringe line-up this August, Crush is essential viewing, a brilliant reminder of the power of storytelling to foster empathy and bridge cultural divides.
Listings Information
- Show: Crush
- Venue: Clover, Underbelly Bristo Square, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG
- Dates: Wednesday 5 – Sunday 30 August 2026 (Excluding August 17)
- Time: 15:55 (16:55) | Age Guidance: 14+
- Tickets & Box Office: 0131 510 0395 | www.underbelly.co.uk