Calamawy Turns 40, Previews London Stage Debut
The Egyptian-born actress marked her birthday on Instagram ahead of her National Theatre role in Samira.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Middle East
May Calamawy marked her 40th birthday with a series of Instagram photographs, including one set in the desert with the pyramids of Giza behind her. Calamawy is set to make her UK stage debut in Samira at London's National Theatre.
Why it matters
The announcement signals a major step for Calamawy, best known for screen roles in Ramy and Marvel's Moon Knight, as she moves into live theatre in London. The production's Damascus setting during the 2011 Arab Spring places a Middle Eastern story on one of the UK's leading stages.
The production runs at the Dorfman venue from February 4 to March 13, 2027. Samira is written by Carmen Nasr and directed by Emily Burns, with the stage run not yet underway.
The players
May Calamawy
An Egyptian-born actress best known for playing Dena Hassan in Ramy and Layla El-Faouly in Marvel's Moon Knight, and set to appear in Netflix's Extraction as Priscilla Ragab.
National Theatre
London's flagship public theatre company, which is staging Samira at its Dorfman venue.
The details
Calamawy shared the birthday photographs with the caption "Level 40 unlocked baby." Activist Zein Rahma responded with heart emojis and actress Tara Abboud commented on the post. Samira is set in Damascus in 2011 against the backdrop of the Arab Spring.
Timeline
Calamawy marked her 40th birthday on Instagram in November 2026.
Samira runs at London's National Theatre Dorfman venue from February 4 to March 13, 2027.
Season Trajectory
Samira places a story set in Damascus during the 2011 Arab Spring on London's National Theatre stage in 2027. It extends a wave of Middle Eastern-themed work reaching major Western theatres, with Calamawy's move from screen into live stage marking a notable crossover.
Theatregoers planning to see Samira should book for the February 4 to March 13, 2027 run at the Dorfman venue. Because the run is months away, early booking is the practical step for securing seats.
The takeaway
Calamawy's stage debut shows how Middle Eastern stories are moving onto major international stages. Readers interested in the production can track its run dates at London's National Theatre ahead of opening night.
What happens next
Samira begins its run at London's National Theatre Dorfman venue on February 4, 2027, and continues through March 13, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the region, explore our Middle East travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arab News.
