Fabulous Creatures presents an inventive and refreshing concept, inviting the audience to a cabaret starring three of Greek mythology’s most iconic monsters from Homer’s Odyssey: Charybdis, Siren, and Scylla. Each character is brought to life with unique personalities and backstories that remain faithful to the original myths but are told from a fresh, modern perspective.
The show takes an intriguing twist when Clytemnestra (Kate Newman), a figure from Aeschylus’ Oresteia and Euripides’ Iphigenia in Aulis, arrives seeking vengeance. Her tragic tale of betrayal—abducted by her husband, who later sacrifices their child for war—creates a compelling drive for revenge. She turns to the cabaret’s monsters, notorious for their violent tendencies, hoping they can help her exact justice. They agree, setting the stage for an engaging narrative.
The cast delivered strong performances, each actor bringing something special to the show. Hannah Van Der Westhuysen, as Charybdis, exuded confidence and charisma from the start, while Jazz Jenkins (Siren) stood out with a powerful voice that captivated the audience. Kate Newman’s portrayal of both Scylla and Clytemnestra was equally compelling, balancing humor with unsettling intensity, keeping the audience engaged.
While the premise of mythical creatures running a cabaret is undeniably fascinating, the execution didn’t quite reach its full potential. The abstract approach, though creative, left some parts of the production feeling a bit underdeveloped. A more lavish production could have allowed for more immersive visuals and deeper exploration of the story’s ambitious ideas. Despite some beautifully poetic moments in the script, the abstract elements sometimes detracted from the overall impact.
The musical numbers added a lively touch, with catchy, character-specific tunes that fit well within the cabaret setting. The music itself was groovy and fun, but as it was used to convey much of the plot and character backstory, the songs occasionally felt a bit complex and hard to follow.
Having one actor play both Scylla and Clytemnestra was an interesting choice, but it created a somewhat disjointed flow, making the transitions between characters feel a bit abrupt.
The show’s emphasis on female empowerment is a particularly engaging aspect, especially for those who enjoy seeing traditional myths re-examined through a modern, feminist lens. The idea of giving a voice to these often-overlooked female monsters taps into a current trend of exploring classical myths from fresh perspectives, and this play will likely resonate with fans of such reinterpretations.
Overall, Fabulous Creatures offered a creative and promising concept, but the execution didn’t fully capture the magic that the premise promised. With a bit more polish and production support, the show could truly shine and allow its brilliant ideas to take center stage.
Writer & Director: Emily Louizou
Writer & Lyricist: Quentin Beroud
Executive Producer: Elizabeth Filippouli
Starring: Hannah Van Der Westhuysen, Jazz Jenkins, Kate Newman
Venue: The Arcola Theatre
Running time: 85 minutes (no interval)
Review by Sofia Moran