MYTHOS: RAGNAROK - REVIEW - EDINBURGH FRINGE

This show does not require an introduction. Approach anyone in Edinburgh right now and say, “Have you heard about the Viking one? Where they mix wrestling and Norse mythology” and chances are that people have either seen it or are planning to.

In Mythos: Ragnarok, the show’s title tells you all you need to know. From the very beginning, the myth part is present, a fabulous retelling of the famous battles between Nordic gods, as well as exciting chaos that will keep you on the edge of your seat through this story of loyalty, incest, betrayal, love, and so much more.

There is certainly nothing like this out there. While physical theatre tends to be somewhat of a niche, a story is usually hidden somewhere along the movements of performers. Mythos: Ragnarok takes physical storytelling to the next level, creating a crowd-pleaser that does just that: pleases the audience with a straightforward story, which you don’t have to be familiar with to enjoy it. The performers will make sure you’re involved from the first second, gasps involuntarily escaping your throat as you watch the wrestlers being thrown all over the stage.

One can hardly imagine the performers doing this every single night. The punches, the jumps, the energy that goes into it while they spotlessly deliver their lines and play out characters. Yet somehow, they do, with enthusiasm and strength, encouraging you to pick your favourite warriors and cheer for them throughout the show.

This is a show where the reviewer’s opinion doesn’t really matter; its completely silenced by the noise of gasps, laughter, excited chatter, and chanting for gods and goddesses on their quest to bring something fresh and new to the stage and we can easily say that they succeed on that quest.

The end of the show comes clearly too soon for the audience as people seem reluctant to leave. The queue to buy the book is longer than that to the toilet, all too excited to meet their new heroes, discussing how tall some of the performers really are, one person saying: “He shook my hand with the strength of thousands’ gods”.

So, which way to Valhalla?

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{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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