BWW Reviews: PENELOPE RETOLD, Birmingham Rep Theatre, April 1 2015

Following a successful run at Derby Theatre as a companion piece to The Odyssey, Penelope Retold is now embarking on a national tour. The show intertwines myth and reality in a fast-paced modern take on the military wife.

Polar extremes of emotion are expressed when relating to her husband Odyssius who is away at war...and has been for nineteen years - in one breath, proud and supportive of her husband's career path, yet on the flip side, the resentment of being left on her own and wishing her circumstances were different. Presented as a collection of monologues, songs and video clips, this hour-long one-woman show is brilliantly funny whilst also being very awkward and uncomfortable at times.

Staged in the Rep's Door theatre, there is no set; just a bed and some props essentially. Olivier Award nominee Caroline Horton has created this piece as well as starring in it and is successfully directed by Lucy J Skilbeck. This is a character-driven piece in which Horton excels massively. As well as scripted text, she also has a gift with improvisation and is fascinating to watch.

From an interview scenario to a dating scene with a member of the audience, the variety within the piece was enough to keep your avid interest. The art of silence was exercised on several occasions whilst Horton's expressions were captivating.

Penelope Retold plays at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre until Friday 2 April 2015 and continues touring until the end of the month.

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