BRIGTHON FRINGE: Mythos: Ragnarök – Caravanserai, Luna Parc

Creator: Mythological Theatre

Writer and director: Ed Gamester

Taking physical theatre to new riveting heights, Mythos Ragnarök combines wrestling with mythic storytelling in this original and thrilling performance. You may not be a follower of the sport, but there is much to be enjoyed in Mythological Theatre’s production, as regular bouts of stage combat weave seamlessly into this tale of warring Norse Gods and their struggle for supremacy. This is stage fighting on an epic scale, with clashing swords, body slams, and acrobatic dodges. The choreography is mesmerising for the beauty of the shapes and the passion in the performance.

This is Norse mythology, as you’ve never seen it before. Whimsy, drama, and down-in-the-dirt, sweaty turf wars play out around Odin (Ed Gamester) and Loki (Michael Reece). For lovers of these tales, many favourites are to be expected, including legendary characters: Borr/Fenrir (Charlie Spooner), Gullveig/Hel, (Rhonda Pownall), Freya (Maddison Miles), Baldr (Arthur Byrne), Thor (Justin Sysum), Surtr/Jormungandr (Miles Ley) and Fate (Melanie Watson). Aesthetically pleasing costumes, designed by Melanie Watson, help identify characters, as well as create dramatic effects. Accessories like masks, crowns, and magical belts have all been well considered.

The storytelling is bold and engaging. As we watch Odin (Gamester) and Loki (Reece) throwing each other about the stage, to the blaring thrash metal, it seems to make such obvious sense. The grandiosity and goading of the Norse characters become the perfect introduction to our wrestlers. Across the cast, the range of imposing figures, mean-looking muscles, and more sprightly bodies, make up an intriguing ensemble it is very satisfying to watch in action. The performers are highly experienced wrestlers; some have now retired from the sport and taken up their places in creator Ed Gamester’s company. They appear superhuman, larger than life, pumped up with the necessary confidence and theatrics to perform their risky endeavours.

Although there is a superhero quality to their creations that may put you in mind of action movies of more recent years, the company expertly shows the complex characters of Norse mythology. They have us often switching loyalties as they play on our sympathies and emotional allegiances. Creator Ed Gamester also cites Neil Gaiman as one of his influences in creating this show. He captures a whimsy present in Gaiman’s Norse Mythology as well as exploring the darkness of the original stories. The character of Odin and the conflicts between the complex anti-heroes will also call to mind Gaiman’s American Gods.

It’s a loud, rumbustious, rousing performance, and given the wrestling tradition, an element of audience participation in cheering and jeering is to be expected. However, it can be somewhat intimidating. During this performance, a commotion breaks out over the other side of the audience. Over our side, a group starts chanting “Kick her in the head, Loki!” The performers use the interruption to improvise like pros, but a rather threatening misogynistic vibe is created by audience members. Thankfully, it seems to have an effect on the rest of the crowd of doubling down on supporting the female characters. When it is, in fact, Gullveig (Pownall) who kicks Loki (Reece) in the face, the crowd gives a mighty cheer.

The production pokes some fun at stereotypes, and what is very refreshing is that these female characters are treated with the power and strength they deserve from the mythology that inspired them. Rhonda Pownall (Gullveig/Hel) and Maddison Miles (Freya) take on the male characters, regardless of physical size. The return of Hel (Pownall), as queen of the afterlife, to a victory over Baldr (Byrne) is particularly compelling to watch. There is also room for a cheeky joke about Freya (Miles), warrior goddess, being embarrassed by her chariot being pulled by cats.

This extraordinary performance brings to life Norse mythology as you’ve never seen it before. It weaves storytelling, with physical theatre, and scintillating showmanship. This is myth meets wrestling while making for a very clever and vibrant piece of theatre. What Ed Gamester has created here, along with his talented company, is original, masterful, and a phenomenon to behold.

Reviewed on the 1st June 2023