BOTI REVIEWS | Mythos: Ragnarok

This reviewer’s views on wrestling and Norse mythology are similar: relatively indifferent. Yet there was absolutely nothing indifferent about how we felt about seeing Mythos: Ragnarok at Brighton Fringe’s Caravanserai on Wednesday evening. This is a rollicking, energetic, high-octane, high camp show which we’d recommend even to the most sceptical viewer. 

Mythos: Ragnarok is an epic dark comedy combining Norse mythological storytelling with full-contact wrestling. Join Odin and Loki in their struggle to overcome primeval giants, rival gods and goddesses, and each other’s ambitions in this hard-hitting, dark comic adaption of Norse mythology. Weaving ancient myths, legends and folk tales into original pieces of theatre, Mythos uses a cast of actors who specialise in professional wrestling to create some of the most intense and thrilling fight scenes ever seen in theatre.

Sold out on the first night – and for good reason – this is a feast for the eyes and the senses. Sure, we didn’t really understand the story. There’s a lot of power shifting and a lot of siblings and a sprinkle of incest, but the star of the show is really the wrestling.

We haven’t engaged with wrestling since playing WWF (before it was WWE) on the PlayStation, but that’s not to say we didn’t enjoy the spectacle. Quite the opposite. These are talented wrestlers (who are also apparently famous in their game). The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed. They’re funny, shocking and brutal. We watched a lot through our hands. The crowd was enraptured. The music was so loud it gets under your skin. The lights were bold. The fights were bold. Honestly, it was a treat for the senses whether or not you follow the storyline.

If you see one thing this weekend, go and see Mythos: Ragnarok.

By Anna Burtt

Mythos is on every day at Luna Park at Caravanserai at various times until Saturday 3rd June before it heads to the Edinburgh Fringe from 2nd – 27th August.

Photo credits: Alistair Veryard; Mary George