Ever wondered how theatre was invented?
If you want to watch a fun, silly and ‘camptastic’ take on this and some Greek classics themselves, Thespians is definitely for you.
The show follows the story of a plucky gang from the smallest island in Greece, Ikaria, as they enter a Eurovision-style contest to impress ancient Greek god Dionysus. Called by a dastardly, tyrannical dictator in an effort to alleviate a terrible drought.
Thespians at HOME
There’s wise and horny town elder Melampus, nerdy shy girl Poly, puny goody-two-shoes Atlas, delusional and insecure Adonis and delusional and overconfident Thespis.
In their efforts to bring the rain (and avoid execution), the gang hit on a bright idea: impersonating other people in a new invention called ‘a play’.
The cast are clearly having the time of their lives, delivering a classic and well-paced musical theatre plot line. With a script packed full of ancient Greek puns and songs so cheesy you could turn them into a spanakopita.
Performances are strong across the board, with the main ensemble on Ikaria shining both together and in side quest storylines, as things (inevitably) fall apart in the second half.
They are supported by a stellar supporting cast of backing dancers and singers as well as a hilariously tongue-in-cheek Greek chorus of two narrators.
A standout would be Claire-Marie Hall as bookish voice of reason Poly and Rhys Taylor who steals every scene as the Tyrant. Particularly in an Ursula the Sea Witch-esque temptation number.
The set design
The set design is fun, even if the costumes look a little cheap. But nothing can detract from the joy of the cast. They handle the daft storylines and schlocky sentiment perfectly, sending up not only ancient Greece but the art of acting itself.
Along the way, the characters learn a little bit about empathy, the world around them and themselves, making the most of the uncanny ability of musical theatre to make an audience feel things against their better judgement.
They also touch on contemporary (and timeless) themes of fragile masculinity, climate change and choosing between home and adventure.
For anyone without a sense of humour, this won’t work at all.
The music? Catchy. The storylines? Comfortingly familiar. The performances? Entertaining.
It’s definitely a musical, and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that.
Running at HOME until Saturday 18 July. Don’t miss it!
