A stunning folk musical experience filled with soul
Heracles: Of Men and Beasts’ arrives at the Edinburgh Fringe from New Zealand-based theatre company The Barden Party. Directed by Laura Irish and composed by Ollie Howlett, this production presents a folk musical detailing the less touched-upon and darker sides of the legendary hero Heracles, shining a light on his life away from battle and brutal warfare and onto his personal life; his relationship with his devoted wife Megara, his turbulent relationship with Zeus’ wife Hera as Zeus’ illegitimate child to a mortal woman, and his inner conflict between his human mortality and his demigod nature.
The production features a four-person cast, with three actors (Caleb James as Heracles, Laura Irish as Hera, and Isabella Aarons as Megara) and a musician who provides the musical backdrop (Ollie Howlett).
The musical set-up was fascinating; Howlett stands in the back with multiple guitars, a keyboard and 4-loop pedals which are used to layer each instrument in a live setting. This was extremely impressive, Howlett’s ability to create a rich and immersive soundscape right in front of the audience is mesmerising to watch and listen to, and contributed to the show’s effectiveness greatly.
The actors’ performances were also incredible, they really threw themselves into their characters and showed impeccable chemistry with each other. Their vocals also emphasised the show’s effectiveness, with great harmonising and raspy, raw voices, creating a folk-like atmosphere that evokes ancient storytelling.
‘Heracles: Of Men and Beasts’ is a fantastic fringe show that takes full advantage of its space and musical capabilities. This show is on at The Space @ Niddry Street venue in Edinburgh until the 29th August.
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: The Space @ Niddry Street (Upper Theatre)
Dates: 17th- 29th.
Time: 12.30-1.30pm
Ticket prices: £12.50 / concessions £11.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 8+ (Guideline)