one4review | On 23, Aug 2025

A classical tale of romance and tragedy, Achilles, Death of the Gods is a masterclass in storytelling from writer and performer Jo Kelen.

In this powerful one-woman show Kelen retells the story of Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks during the siege of Troy as recounted in Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. Bold, beautiful and big-headed, Achilles believes he is simply born better than everyone around him yet he falls in love with the distinctly inferior Patroclus. The two lovers go to Troy to fight for glory but find only death instead.

It is, of course, an old story, but the telling does bring something new to it. The characters, literal figures of legend, are stripped down to mere mortal men in love and all the messy and wonderful things being in love brings. And because of that it’s all the more devastating when the inevitable calamity strikes. It’s a story of grief and pain and the stupid decisions that lead good people to die for the wrong reasons.

Kelen’s poetic portrayal of the mythical misfortunes of the two warriors, as well as several others whose lives they cross, is as mesmerising as it is affecting. Through heavy uses of repetition and beautiful, poignant imagery, there’s an almost ritualistic feeling at points in the production. A simple story told in a very un-simple way, this show is a must see if you enjoy the poetic, the tragic and the classic.

*****
Tom M
Snug at Paradise in Augustines
14:15
Until 24th