Medusa

Feet First Collective invite audiences into the Temple of Athena (a happening venue with the vibe of a nightclub) for their World Premiere production of Medusa. An interactive production that uses multiple levels of the Rechabite Hall, this is an interesting production with lots to offer.

The first 40 minutes or so Is truly immersive/interactive theatre with a series of vignettes being played, sometimes simultaneously, in multiple locations throughout the venue. Audiences are required to move throughout the performance space in order to catch the premise for later action. Interesting and exciting for the audience, this has some disadvantages, in that audiences need to be fairly mobile and proactive in order to observe and absorb as much as possible, and the actors’ interchanges are sometimes difficult to hear over the noise of other audience members.

The play gradually morphs into slightly more traditional style theatre. Body mikes are used, and action played to the audience as a whole, although the cast continue to use multiple locales throughout the space. One of the more exciting spaces features the use of circus silks. Used by Athena (Sally Clune) to cast a spell with elegance and grace and by Perseus (Samuel Addison) to demonstrate strength and agility - both silks performances are impressive - and are very different in both style and purpose.

Excellent performances from the five key performers. Medusa, given a compelling journey through the performance of Lauren Beeton, is a performer in the Temple of Athena, before falling foul of Athena’s temper and being transformed into the famous snake haired gorgon. Sally Clune’s Athena is the ultimate mean girl, a villainess with remarkable beauty and huge power. Sally’s performance is at times mesmerising, and she demands and receives attention. Poseidon is a bartender who feels it is his right to dominate anyone he wishes, revelling in the attention of multiple women, despite being a huge jerk. Played with conviction and believability by Tate Bennett (usually known for playing boy-next-door sweethearts) this is another powerful performance.

Unlikely and reluctant hero Perseus is played with laconic charm by Samuel Addison. Somewhat of an early feminist, he rescues the beautiful Andromeda, played very nicely by Ella Jones, but expects nothing in return and gives her respect and agency. 

Medusa gives its audience lots to think about and has one of the most unexpected endings I have ever seen. A fun show with surprising depth, this is well worth a look for those who like their theatre to be edgy and different.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: John Congear