The Odyssey: The Epic Tale of Odysseus on his Super Long Journey Home

After the success of Black Martini’s Troy Story in last year’s FringeWorld (available on YouTube if you need a primer), the team return to continue Odysseus’ journey, as he battles monsters who are trying to eat him, revengeful Gods, witches, storms, whirlpools and drugs on a ten-year journey home.

While we miss the puppets slightly (In Troy Story the Gods were played by puppets), the style of the show is similar, with four actors playing some 30 different characters, very clever cardboard props and a clever, irreverent performance style. There are some fun references to other classic works (including The Simpsons and Monty Python).

The script is great fun but soars in the hands of great performers. Hock Edwards brings charm to the roles of Odysseus and his son Telemachus (no easy task as Odysseus is a jerk), while the other actors play a plethora of roles. Thomas Dimmick is great fun, using a smorgasbord of accents to bring to life a dozen roles including narrator Homer. Erin Craddock is delightfully sympathetic as ill-fated “Crew Member 1” (and their look-like replacement) and nine other roles. Grace Edwards gives unexpected credence to cyclops Polyphemus, the unfortunately named ‘Piss Boy” and a selection of other characters.

Don’t be put off by the title, an understanding of classic literature is not required for you to find this show very funny. Not sure if you will leave knowing more about Homer’s great work, or not, but you will certainly have a good time.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: K. Darius.