one4review | On 13, Aug 2025

The cult-hit bombastic fusion of theatre, folklore and bodyslams, Mythos: Ragnarök is once again climbing to the top of the steel cage of the Fringe and is ready to jump.

The first and, unbelievably, only show of its kind, Mythos recounts the highs and lows of gods and brothers Odin and Loki as they do battle and form alliances with their fellow deities, monsters and giants all through the medium of professional wrestling. The mix of theatre and pro-wrestling is so obvious in retrospect that it feels miraculous that it’s such a fresh idea, having parallels to other forms of physical theatre, whether circus gymnastics, dance or sword fighting. And it’s a perfect match for the over the top warriors of Norse myth, who get through so many of their problems with an old fashioned bout of fisticuffs. I’m not sure I have the words to fully express how much this works – the way the simple god/evil narratives of a wrestling match can pair so smoothly with the heroes and villains of an epic poem. How good it feels to see a baddie be lifted above shoulder height and slammed down into the stage.

There is a slight issue in production that the show relies on a number of unfamiliar Norse names and, as actors cannot wear radio mics while they’re being chucked about, only has microphones suspended above the ring which don’t always pick up all the dialogue perfectly, but it’s not a deal breaker. Normally you work out what’s going on by the time the punching starts.

I feel special mention has to be made again of the show’s writer, producer and director (and actor for Loki) Ed Gamester who has created something truly magical here. He’s also clearly an extremely talented and charismatic performer and, even with a wide range of excellent talent on show, easily stole whatever scene he was in.

In many ways this is pro-wrestling’s natural evolution. It’s been known for a long time that pro-wrestling is scripted, though some people say “fake” which is an odd way of putting it – all art is simulation (Van Gogh’s sunflowers are just oil on canvas, after all). And this is just the natural progression to a more controlled, scripted form. And it is masterly. The audience are drawn in almost immediately by the drama and there’s a panto-like level of joining in booing and cheering and the occasional heckle from the crowd which doesn’t diminish the one or two moments of genuine pathos. The show is a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to get into wrestling or, more importantly, to show to anyone you want to get into wrestling, as confirmed by my 75-year old mother rushing to grab a t-shirt from the merch stand on the way out. It’s amazing, go see it.

*****

Reviewed by Tom

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows – Lafayette

20.40 (1hr 10mins)

Until 23 Aug (not 18)