Ancient Greek myths, what can be more tempting to improvise, and with the name of the improv troupe adding some silly into Homer’s Iliad, we have a huge hint as to what is coming. As we are seated, we are asked to complete a card with an idea, and then they select a card out of pandora’s box. The question that they must answer is – Why do humans have hair? And it will take place in a basement. The audience is also asked to vote on what type of myth they would like, Greek, Norse, or Egyptian. It was a close-run thing between Greek and Egyptian, but Greek was slightly ahead in the vote.
The players today are Zack, Ollie and Jane, and we begin by King Minos of Crete announcing that he has opened his basement up to the public, so Athena and Alan decide to go and have a look around. The confectionary stand proves too interesting, and Athena decides that she would like a flake, but not just one, ninety-nine…with no ice cream! In reality they actually ran out of flakes years ago, and they have been eating twigs. King Minos informs the seekers Athena and Alan, that there is treasure in the labyrinth. The Greek gods are a gift for puns, you only have to bring Hermes into the show, and he will be ribbed for his useless delivery service. We saw a Benny Hill style chase, an improvised Minotaur which consisted of two fake swords strapped to Zack’s head.
I was impressed with the inventiveness of the company, but I do think that choosing to improvise myths and legends, does lend itself to adventures and wrong doing on a grand scale. Sometimes, long-form improv, if it is not done well can fall flat, without additional suggestions from the audience, but I think the framework as referred to already, lends itself to being interesting, and gives such a lot of scope for being inventive.
I would highly recommend going along if you love improv, you will not be disappointed.
The Silliad will return to Camden Fringe Festival on the 29th & 30th August at 8.30pm at the Museum of Comedy. If you would like to book tickets, go to https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-silliad-improvised-myths-and-legends/
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 8th August 2026
North West End UK/Theatre Muse UK Rating: