The tale of Antigone continues to remain prominent within theatre and Greek history, a tale of a woman who goes against her leaders wishes in order to restore dignity to her deceased brother, ultimately leading to her death sentence and the taking of her own life. Like many Greek tragedies, this one is not a happy one, but it does deliver us the message that: it is important to stand up for what you believe in, even if the consequence is dire (oh and don’t disobey the gods…).
Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical takes the classic tale but re-frames it in the 1980s, using the AIDS crisis as it’s driven point of revolt. This is cleverly done by exchanging the relationship between Antigone and Creon’s (known as Calvin) son Henry for a relationship between Henry and the deceased and slandered brother of Antigone. This gives us not only a much more modern adaption of the tale but another layer to our antagonist’s tyranny. Despite the subject and time period change, they still, set the show in its original location: Thebes. Many of the characters names are altered to better fit the time such as: Ismene becomes Issa, Haemon becomes Henry, Croen becomes Calvin. The musical also focus more on what happened before Antigone’s confession rather than the confrontation which takes up most of the original play.
This is a very well blocked and directed production. Every movement and set change seems incredibly well thought out and choreographed, the costumes for the main cast are so perfectly fitting to the late 1980s and the costumes for the Oracle and her sidekicks are perfectly inspired by ancient Greek clothing yet still fit the 1980s vibe. The music is fresh and also fitting for the time with its performers having some of the healthiest sounding vocals you may find in the fringe. This show really is a credit to the vocal skills of its cast, with real standouts being: Helena Padial as the Oracle leading our opening number, Trevor Hudson as Calvin with a wicked villainy and silky smooth vocals and Victoria Martinez in the role of ensemble whose versatility and reactions really made her one to watch.
The whole cast is incredibly talented, and this production served just as well in its new format as the original had in its own.
A must see of the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe, and an innovative re-imaging of a classic literature piece that’s success had dated back to the BC’s. Its message is strong: Use you’re one voice and speak out against injustice so that together we can unite. Whilst the songs aren’t the catchiest, this is a very very strong production.
Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical is on at The Other Yin in Guilded Balloon’s Patter House from 5th-29th August (Excluding 17th and 24th) at 15:05. Purchase tickets at https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/antigone-1989-a-town-hall-musical
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 21st August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: