Le Navet Bete Theatre Touring group are back with their ridiculous storyline, chaotic energy and infectious humour. ‘Le Navet Bete’ translates to ‘The Daft Turnip’ which tells you everything you need to know about these guys: they provide a daft way to translate theatre into fantastic comedy in their own magical way
Their latest production, Oh Zeus!, isn’t just a retelling of Greek mythology; it’s a high-octane and utterly hilarious demolition of it.
The show centres on the legendary (and notoriously ego-driven) Zeus, but this isn’t the stoic, marble statue version from your history books. This Zeus is frantic, insecure, and surrounded by a cast of deities who are, to put it mildly, absolute disasters themselves. He goes to great lengths to stop the marriage of his daughter, Hebe, to the mortal Hotel Manager, Gregg. Zeus has his mind changed, and has to reach the depths of the underworld to retrieve Gregg’s soul.
What makes Le Navet Bete so special is their physicality. Did I mention there are only three performers playing 30 characters? These performers don’t just act; they collide. The choreography of swapping in and out of their multiple roles is a feat of Olympian endurance. One moment, an actor is playing a brooding Hades, and thirty seconds later, they’ve sprinted behind a pillar to emerge as a high-pitched, gossiping Hera. The sheer speed of the costume changes alone deserves a standing ovation. Plus of course, adds to much chaotic shenanigans as they almost miss their cue, or laugh as each other, or need to be two characters on stage at the same time.
Al Dunn, Matt Freeman and Nick Blunt are brilliant performers: engaging, watchable, energetic and all round funny people. They are a joy to watch.
There is audience participation for one member of the public, which, if they are game, is hilarious. The boundary of the first couple of rows is a little blurred as projectiles come from the stage, and the smoke meandering across the floor.
For a touring production, the set design is impressively versatile. What looks like a simple collection of pillars and drapes transforms into Mount Olympus, the hotel, the Underworld, and the Aegean Sea through clever lighting and sheer imagination. The number of doors, windows, and nooks & crannies allows swift movement for invisible scene changes, slapstick comedy moments, and allows the dynamic nature of the show to shine through.
Whereas you might not learn too much factual information about the Greek Gods, those that know will appreciate the nod in their direction, you will certainly enjoy the perfectly balanced humour which is packed with witty wordplay, clever puns, funny songs, and the sheer bonkers of it all.
Oh Zeus! will appeal to everyone. It is exhausting to watch in the best way possible. You leave the theatre feeling like you’ve been through a marathon, but your ribs ache from laughing rather than your legs from running. If you want a night of theatre that doesn’t take itself too seriously but is performed with serious skill, do not miss this.
At the New Wolsey until Saturday 9th May – click here for more info.
Photo Credit: Mark Senior Photography