Oh Zeus!, the new comedy from Le Navet Bête and John Nicholson, made a boisterous entrance at The Lowry in Salford this week, serving up a blend of Greek myth and surreal humour that will appeal to fans of anarchic stage comedy.
Three actors, 40 characters and a frantic opening
The piece, written by Le Navet Bête (Nick Bunt, Al Dunn and Matt Freeman) with John Nicholson and directed by Nicholson, follows the god Zeus as he reluctantly prepares for his daughter Hebe’s wedding to a mortal. Much of the action is rooted in a mortal hotel, Hotel Krappios, that becomes the unlikely crossroads between Mount Olympus and everyday chaos.
The company’s trademark physicality is on full display: slapstick, wigs and quick-fire knockabout gags dominate. The trio share roughly 40 characters between them, shifting rapidly from one role to the next. That versatility is a constant through the show and underpins much of its energy.
Improvisation and audience interaction highlight the show
One clear highlight is a moment of audience participation in which a member of the crowd is invited onstage as a decoy Zeus. The performers’ ability to embrace the unpredictable demonstrates strong improvisational skills and creates an infectious rapport with the auditorium. The chemistry among Al Dunn, Nick Bunt and Matt Freeman is an obvious asset; their willingness to laugh with — and at — each other makes the evening feel inclusive.
- Strength: Improvisation and ensemble chemistry.
- Strength: Physical comedy and rapid character changes.
- Area to watch: Opening pace sometimes races past jokes before they land.
That rapid pace is a double-edged sword. The first act opens at such speed that many of the gags flash by before the audience has time to register and enjoy them. As the performance settles in, the rhythm improves and the company’s best qualities — warmth, timing and mutual enjoyment — become more apparent.
| Element | Impression |
|---|---|
| Writing and concept | Inventive and surreal, mixing mythology with absurdism |
| Performance | Energetic, with strong ensemble rapport |
| Pacing | Frantic at times; benefits from settling into the second act |
At its best, Oh Zeus! feels like shared play: the actors are not just trying to make the audience laugh, they are also making each other laugh. Those moments of genuine enjoyment are contagious and leave the auditorium on a high. On the other hand, the show can occasionally resemble a jumble of ideas, and a tighter editorial hand might have made some scenes land with greater effect.
For Salford audiences seeking a night of surreal comedy and plenty of theatrical risk-taking, the production offers a memorable evening. While the pacing may frustrate viewers who prefer a steadier build, those who enjoy rapid-fire absurdism and improvisation will find plenty to cheer.
