Mythos: Ragnarök brings two worlds that you’d never expect to meet crashing together: pro-wrestling and Norse gods. Some names have made their way into mainstream media, like Thor and Loki, while others are more niche, but all hit the mat in wilder and more dramatic ways.
It might sound like a bizarre match at first but the two areas have a lot of similarities; both feature unhinged drama, physical fights, and outlandish plots. Now, there’s a space for them to exist with one another.
And what an existence it is. After five years at the Fringe, Mythos: Ragnarök has grown from a simple stage show into the phenomenon it is today. The lighting, the smoke, and the thumping music (Norse-inspired rock) all come together to create a spectacle before the first wrestler has even hit the mat.
When these giants do take to the floor, though, it’s hard not to cover your eyes, but also impossible to look away. That’s especially true when some of the titans of the cast, like Fin McCarthy’s Fenrir, Miles Ley’s Thor, and Sam Gardiner’s Surtr, start throwing punches.
The hand-to-hand fighting is fine, usually just used to fill gaps in the physical choreography. The bumps, throws, and grapples, however, are nothing short of masterpieces.
The cast effortlessly works together to create shockingly lifelike fights, helped along with favourable lighting and the aforementioned epic music. Character entrances take on the grand nature of religious experiences, in keeping with the scale of the stories being told in Mythos: Ragnarök.
You might think that a show with such physical appeal would fall down when it comes to storytelling, but think again. Ed Gamester’s Loki is the heart of this show, making quips to the audience that break down the fourth wall and their hearts. A comedic character at first, his story is a simple one that hooks you all the same, making the final beats of the show all the more compelling.
Considering what you’re watching is essentially trained professionals throwing each other around, there are incredible emotional beats here. Weep at one character’s fate, and be screaming for another’s downfall the next.
Mythos: Ragnarök is a show of magnitudes, but every single one of them is a genuine pleasure to experience. Do not miss this success story of the Fringe.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
