Review: PENELOPE - Underbelly, Cowgate (12/08/26)

Phenomenal new musical shines fresh spotlight on often forgotten Odyssey figure

-----

It's fair to say that Greek mythology is very much in season, with the recent release of both "The Odyssey" and the professionally filmed performance of "Hadestown" in cinemas, as well as the latter still performing well in London and New York, so the timing of this new musical about Odysseus' long suffering wife Penelope, written by broadway star Grace McLean, could not be more apt. The show first performed at Joe's Pub in New York, and has now, perhaps appropriately, made the trip across the ocean to continue its journey in Edinburgh.

Penelope herself is a much maligned figure, one who is often brushed to the side by those who take a far more prevalent interest in the exploits of husband Odysseus, in his 20-year expedition across the Mediterranean during the dying embers of the Trojan War. He is clearly keeping himself occupied, through his exploits involving a cyclops, sirens, sorcery and a whole host of other weird and wonderful figures, however where does this leave his poor wife? Stuck at home in Ithaca waiting for her man to return, along with the servants, as well as an army of suitors, who have taken over her home and consistently pressure her to stop waiting and marry one of them instead.

Alex Bechtel and Grace McLean (credit: Daniel Rader)

This, quite understandably, is going to put a great deal of strain on anyone, and this is where our focus lies in this bite-sized musical, during which we delve into the titular queen of Ithaca's diminishing mentality, as we see her psychological state descend from quiet contemplation and chagrin, to justifiable impatience, anger and hysteria. The story is prefaced by McLean's silent, still presence on stage, as if Penelope's wait for her husband, weaving on the loom, has already been ongoing as we enter the auditorium; it's a testament to her commitment to the character and her plight, as well as her outstanding acting abilities, that she is able to maintain such little movement, yet be able to still express so much.

The story is told by means of a cabaret club setting, complete with bar stool, carafe full of an unidentified drink, and two spirit glasses, and though it initially presents as a solo piece, it soon becomes clear that the three-piece band, under the direction of writer Alex Bechdel, aren't just there to accompany, they also very much feel like they're part of the story. In particular, the moment when they come to life midway through the show as the goddess Athena is a masterstroke in direction, with all three players vocalising the character in unison, and providing guidance to our eponymous heroine. With a score and arrangements by Bechtel, and book by McLean and Eva Steinmetz, this is just as much a collaborative effort as it is a juggernaut of solo storytelling.

The company of "Penelope" at Ancram Center for the Arts (credit: Daniel Rader)

Though, in spite of the fact that this is indeed an ensemble piece, we can't ignore the fact that McLean's performance very much acts as the centrepiece, and it's absolutely no exaggeration to say this is one of the performances of the festival, as she gives a masterclass in how to hold an audience through a whole plethora of emotions. From the calmness and vulnerability of the opening scene, to her rightful frustration, and ultimate descent into borderline mania, McLean does not miss a beat, never dropping her level for even a second, in a fiery performance of real maturity, emotional complexity, and raw power, as we experience the full range of her abilities.

The tales from Homer's Odyssey and other classics from Greek mythology are very much hot property right now, and in the midst of this undoubted renaissance, "Penelope" feels like a breath of fresh air when it comes to new work inspired by these millennia-old stories, as it shines a spotlight on a woman traditionally consigned to remain out of it, proving there is no shortage of ways we can bring these ancient characters to new audiences. With a stunning score that blends multiple genres together, and a book & lyrics that call upon both ancient and modern turns of phrase, Bechtel, McLean and Steinmetz have created something truly unique that might well just be the next big thing in mythological musicals, and is certainly this critic's pick of the fringe.

★★★★★ (5*)

"Penelope" runs at 15:45 every day (excl. 17/08, 24/08) at Underbelly - Cowgate until the 30th of August (tickets)

{PR/Gifted Tickets}