Tuesday, October 15

Tag: Ross McGregor

Talking Gods V: Icarus – Arrows and Traps Theatre
REVIEWS

Talking Gods V: Icarus – Arrows and Traps Theatre

The final episode of Talking Gods from Arrows & Traps Theatre, tells the story of Icarus, his father and the deep, dark secret which haunted his life. Written and directed by Ross McGregor, this is story family, and what happens when something alters your view of your closest relatives. Icarus (Adam Elliott) is a well-spoken journalist and new father. The piece opens with him reminiscing about his scientific and loving father, who recently passed away. The funeral was busy, and Icarus spent much of it ensuring his mother didn’t become overwhelmed. Wanting to be a part of the real world, Icarus goes straight back to work, reporting on Zeus’ trail for various sexual assaults. Interviewing Hestia, he is discomfited by her omniscience. As she hints at the dark secret Icarus’ father k...
Talking Gods IV: Aphrodite – Arrows & Traps Theatre
NEWS

Talking Gods IV: Aphrodite – Arrows & Traps Theatre

The penultimate episode of Talking Gods from Arrows & Traps Theatre, tells the story of Aphrodite, her marriage to Hephaestus and affair with Ares. Written and directed by Ross McGregor, this is a harrowing story of love, war and everything in between. Aphrodite (Benjamin Garrison) is the Goddess of Love and has very little patience for the moral meatbags around her, but does envy their ability to choose. Gods’ destinies are fixed from day one by the Fates, and her life is controlled by them, Zeus, Athena’s whims; everyone really, but herself. At one point she got into crafting, but Athena, Goddess of Handicraft, quickly puts a stop to that so Aphrodite resumes her life of lounging and lust. Love is accepting that it is always subject to heartbreak, unrequited feelings and pain, ...
Talking Gods III: Pygmalion – Arrows & Traps Theatre
REVIEWS

Talking Gods III: Pygmalion – Arrows & Traps Theatre

The third episode of Talking Gods from Arrows & Traps Theatre, tells the story of Pygmalion. Written and directed by Ross McGregor, this is a modern retelling of the story of a man who falls in love with his own creation. Pygmalion (Edward Spence) is a reclusive, award-winning game designer, who spends most of his time with Ratbag (Richard Baker), his sentient but virtual assistant. Editing his latest game, it quickly becomes clear that he is a perfectionist. Many people do reach out to him, including numerous nymphs sending over dating profiles and his mother trying to establish regular contact, but Pygmalion is determined to avoid any difficult conversations or conflict, and so responds by deleting the many messages he is left and ignoring news broadcasts. He does watch old vid...
Talking Gods II: Orpheus – Arrows & Traps Theatre
REVIEWS

Talking Gods II: Orpheus – Arrows & Traps Theatre

The second episode of Talking Gods from Arrows & Traps Theatre, tells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Written and directed by Ross McGregor, this is a modern retelling of a tragic love story of one man for himself and the woman he spends his life with. We are reminded that the Greek Gods are alive and well in our world, and then we meet Eurydice (Charlie Ryall) who tells us that her relationship with Orpheus (Christopher Neels) has left her a shadow of her former self. Blue lighting creates sharp shadows which emphasise the mood as she walks us through a depressive state where tiredness never abates and then we see Orpheus himself, sitting a few feet in front of her. They are on a train and, of course, he isn’t allowed to turn around and look at her. Orpheus is a rock star wit...
Talking Gods I: Persephone – Arrows & Traps Theatre
REVIEWS

Talking Gods I: Persephone – Arrows & Traps Theatre

The first episode of Talking Gods from Arrows & Traps Theatre, tells the story of Persephone. Written and directed by Ross McGregor, Nicolle Smartt plays Hestia, Demeter and Cora, in a series of interweaving monologues retelling the tragic story of Demeter and her daughter for a modern audience. The show opens with the audience being told that the Ancient Greek Gods are alive and well among us, and even have their own social media accounts. We first meet a tearful Hestia, Goddess of Home and Hearth, who is giving evidence in Court where Zeus is being held in shackles. As he is no longer worshipped by the masses, he has become weak and his wrath has burnt out. Hestia is nervous and unsure of her place in the world, having been a minor player in the Greek myths, but is still revolt...