York Theatre Royal has unveiled first look production images from The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood’s feminist retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, which opened this week under the direction of the venue’s Creative Director Juliet Forster.
The production stars Amelia Bullmore as Penelope, alongside Nell Baker, Danielle Bird, Olivia Burton-Laws, Faye Campbell, Pena Iiyambo, Kat Johns-Burke, Syakira Moeladi and Charlie Russell.
Adapted by Atwood from her critically acclaimed novella, The Penelopiad reimagines the ancient Greek epic through the eyes of Penelope and her chorus of maids, giving voice to characters often sidelined in traditional tellings of the story.
Rather than focusing on Odysseus’ adventures, the play examines the lives of those left behind, as Penelope reflects on two decades of waiting while her husband is away fighting in and returning from the Trojan War.
The production features an all-female creative team led by Forster, with design by Sara Perks, lighting design by Alexandra Stafford, sound design, composition and musical direction by Kate Marlais, movement direction by Michelle Edwards and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG.
Speaking when the production was announced, Juliet Forster said: “Margaret Atwood’s powerful script is so rich with wit and humour as she unveils a new feminist perspective on the familiar Odyssey myth. The show is interwoven with songs and exuberant movement and we hope to offer audiences an entirely different way of understanding the story of Penelope and her maids – and most importantly a great night out!”
First staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Canada’s National Arts Centre in 2007, The Penelopiad marks its first major UK revival since the original production.
The production runs at York Theatre Royal until 31 October 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
