Chaotic, crude and comical – three of my favourite things in a theatre show!
Le Navet Bete’s latest production, Oh Zeus!, written by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete with direction by John Nicholson, takes audiences on a chaotic journey through Greek mythology, focusing on the man, the myth, the Greek legend himself – Zeus.
The show fully embraces the ridiculous nature of Greek gods and goddesses alongside their myths, creating a fast-paced comedy that never takes itself too seriously. The story centres around Zeus as he attempts to stop his daughter Hebe from marrying mortal Greg (AKA Greggs), but the plot is really just the starting point for an evening filled with clever plots, larger than life characters and endless comic opportunities.
Even those with little knowledge of Greek mythology like me can easily follow the story, as the script naturally introduces the characters without becoming bogged down in complicated backstories. Every scene is given enough room for the jokes to land before the production launches head first into the next moment of madness. The energy from the cast never drops, but there is still enough breathing space for the audience to appreciate just how much is happening on the stage and within the plot.
The cast deserve huge credit for the success of the production. Nick Bunt, Al Dunn and Matt Freeman take on multiple characters between them, switching effortlessly from one role to another without ever leaving the audience struggling to keep up, which is incredibly impressive for a three-person performance. Each character feels distinct, helped by strong physical performances and great comic timing. It would have been easy for so many quick changes to become confusing, but the trio make every transformation feel completely clear. Their chemistry is also evident throughout, with each performer knowing exactly when to take the spotlight and when they need to support their cast members.
And as brilliant as the cast were, I have to say that Alan was the star of the show – the audience member who dived right into his role of playing Zeus’ body double in the show. As much as I’m not normally a fan of audience participation, this part of the show had me in absolute stitches, and Alan certainly did his role justice!
The set and costume design also plays a significant role in bringing the production to life. The sheer number of costume changes involved is remarkable, particularly considering the speed at which they appear throughout the performance. Every costume and set change helps define each character and their world instantly, becoming part of the comedy itself while also showcasing the enormous amount of work that has clearly gone into the production behind the scenes.
With a talented cast, sharp writing, inventive direction and excellent design, Le Navet Bete have created a genuinely unique comedy that delivers plenty of laughs while showcasing just how much can be achieved with three performers and an endless supply of passion, creativity, and most importantly – energy.
This show runs until 1st August 2026 at The Lowry in Salford Quays before continuing its UK tour.