Oedipuss in Boots – Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol

Director: Chris Collier

Music & Lyrics: Kid Carpet

Puppet maker: Dik Downey

Reviewer: Julia Beasley

What does a naughty fairytale cat have in common with a mythical Greek hero who was destined to kill his father and marry his mother? Absolutely nothing. This makes Puss in Boots and Oedipus perfect components for the latest offering from the Wardrobe Theatre, who seem to have cornered the market in juxtaposing disparate cultural references to grand comic effect.

The action begins on Mount Olympus, where it is prophesized that King Laius will one day be killed by his son Oedipuss. To avoid the prophecy, the king orders baby Oedipuss to be left to die. But Oedipuss gets raised by peasants. He doesn’t know who he is, and he’s also in complete denial about the fact that he’s a cat.

Oedipuss in Boots promises to “put the romp in anthropomorphism” according to the creators. Oedipuss himself (Adam Blake) seems to have been inspired by the randy Bear from Bo’ Selecta! TV sketch show. A cast of silly male and female characters (Harry Humbertsone and Andrew Kingston) owe much to Monty Python. Controlling the action is Fate (Jannah Warlow), a gin-soaked, saxophone-playing chanteuse with a wicked sense of fun.

This show offers utterly surreal humour, puppetry, song and dance – and one of the most hilariously grotesque sex scenes you’ll ever witness. The prophecy comes true, with Oedipuss inadvertently killing his dad and marrying his mum. It’s supposed to be tragic but you’ve just got to laugh.

Runs until 20 January 2018