Oh, Zeus!
(L-R) Matt Freeman, Al Dunn and Nick Bunt in ‘Oh Zeus!’ (Le Navet Bete). Photo: Mark Senior Photography
Review by Martine Silkstone.
How do you review a show like ‘Oh, Zeus’?
No, really. How do you sum up a theatrical experience that leaves you so wonderfully, joyously entertained yet undeniably slightly bewildered? How do you do explain the subtle genius of a multi-roling trio of actors, who swap costumes, characters and genders in seconds, all while performing a riotous tale that mixes classic Greek mythology with a hint of Fawlty Towers.
Then, throw in some gold hotpants, an incidental conga, a song about nuts and some of the weirdest CPR I have ever seen, and I really don’t know where to start!
My notes from review night simply say: “Well, that just happened!"
But, while I might find it tricky to describe what “that” was, what I can say with confidence is that it was absolutely hilarious!
Now, this is not my first rodeo. I have previously reviewed two other shows by this brilliant touring company, and each time it has been huge fun. So, to be fair, my expectations were very high.
Le Navet Bete is unique. They always put together such a joyful, silly, clever, hilarious, inventive show; a brilliant mix of panto (gentle naughtiness and audience interaction), farce (physical, chaotic comedy) and classic storytelling (somehow managing to maintain a narrative despite the ensuing anarchy).
And I’m delighted to say that their latest production is as good, if not better, than those that have gone before.
Photo: Mark Senior Photography
As always, excellent staging sets the scene perfectly, and I loved the ‘table-cloth trick’ transformation at the start - smoothly done.
Before that change, however, we open with a rather disturbing scene of a breastfeeding mother and child (worse, I think, than the flying knitted genitals from King Arthur - if you know, you know).
One fart gag later, and the narrator suggests we “strap in” - and he’s not wrong.
The story…
Our hero is Gregg (Nick Bunt), the mortal hotelier who is all set to marry Hebe, the daughter of Zeus (Matt Freeman with enviable hair and legs). However, the powerful King of Olympus (Al Dunn) does not approve of the match and sets out to thwart the wedding. However, Zeus clashes with his wife, Hera (Matt Freeman with enviable hair and legs), unwittingly signs for a dangerous package, briefly devours the hotel receptionist, Maria (Matt Freeman with enviable hair and legs), and ultimately finds his plans for nuptial sabotage going awry.
Meanwhile, a dangerous stranger lurks in the background…
In the end, it takes a (very strange) battle with Hades in the Underworld to save them all.
So far, so good. But I haven’t mentioned the hotel porter with the somewhat dubious accent, or the rockin’ fates, or the flailing hydra, or the swan pedalo. Or so much more that has to be seen to be believed.
Photo: Mark Senior Photography
Suffice it to say that they all fully deserved the enthusiastic standing ovation given on opening night (though I think that may have been 90% for the performance and 10% for Al Dunn’s abs).
Anyway…
Let me just conclude by saying: go and see it! These three performers - and the whole team behind ‘Oh, Zeus!’ - are masters of their craft. They have found a way to mix their own style with the best of classic entertainment, and the result is something rather magical, and, most importantly, always hugely enjoyable.
PS: Did any of that make sense? I’m still a bit bewildered…
Note: A fabulous programme accompanies the show, with cast interviews, articles on how the show is put together, and so much more. Always love a printed programme!
Oh, Zeus! is at New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich until 9 May 2026.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE