one4review | On 09, Aug 2013

****

The three guys who make up Sleeping Trees provide a hilarious, rapid, rollercoaster retelling of Homer’s Odyssey with, it has to be admitted, huge amounts of artistic licence. Dressed all in white with no set or props, they narrate the story using their bodies in a completely committed physical way to convey the action.

The opening scenes take place in the underworld ruled by Hades. The Caves venue could not be more appropriate to convey this deep and dark setting. Hades send’s Ares, the God of War and Darius, his work experience assistant, to kidnap Homer for it is rumoured he has written a book that will undermine the power of the Gods. The task is done and Homer outlines his story to Ares and Darius.

The basic facts of the story are told – the Trojan War, the wanderings of Odysseus. Along the way are the contacts with the Sirens, Poseidon and Cyclops. In the final scene a pretty cool Zeus makes a crucial, cameo appearance.

The great gusto displayed from start to finish allied with the precisely timed humour is hugely entertaining.

Reviewed by Ben

Just the Tonic at The Caves; 88

1 to 25 August 2013 (not 13)

16.40 – 17.40

Fringe Programme Page Number: 322