An energetic telling of Norse mythology enhanced by hefty pectoral muscles and tight costumes awaits in this unique fusion of theatre, wrestling, and spectacle. Combined with throbbing rock music and a lot of dry ice, this is a show that packs a punch but doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Beginning around the start of the world, Odin introduces the audience to his story. It’s just after he’s killed his own grandfather, but a bit before he battles with the mountain of a man who turns out to be his father. The daddy issues only get worse from here as Odin’s trickster brother Loki joins the fray initially to help kick some bums and then to confirm their status as gods. Unfortunately Jeremy Kyle levels of family angst means the partnership quickly unravels. Everyone seems to be related to each other, particularly as there is eye-watering levels of incest going on amongst the deities of Asgard and therefore divided loyalties.
From the start the staging cranks the drama up to 11, helped by thumping Nordic metal anthems and the spectacular choreography of the fights.There is enough of a balance between speaking and brawling to drive the plot and build the tension between characters. A no-nonsense Freya with a lethal body-slam and himbo Thor all add to the proceedings.
For stage purists it might lack some depth and the level of fighting does increase as the show progresses, but there’s no denying the actors/wrestlers have an immense amount of presence, particularly the leads. If you think the fusion of genres is going to grate on you then it almost certainly will, but for a memorable and polished performance Mythos: ‘Ragnorok’ was superb.
It’s a powerful production that keeps a sense of fun, managing among 3,000 shows to truly stand out from the crowd – and not just because of the enormous size of a few of the cast members. With banging anthems, some good laughs, and genuinely moving moments it’s a real treat.
‘Ragnarok’ runs until Sun 27 Aug 2023 at Assembly Roxy – Central at 21:20