(4 / 5)

Why has it taken until now for someone to come up with this concept? Blending Norse mythology and huge viking-like people with wrestling, seems like a complete marriage made in heaven. What happens is complete engagement in the tale and real investment in the competition of wrestling. 

We all know that wrestling isn’t real. But that doesn’t stop wrestling fans from being involved in it like a sporting event, hollering and supporting their favourites and with the developing storyline alongside it. So, replacing the modern characters and stories,  this production brings well known names such as Loki and Odin, their stories from Norse Mythology and use it as the undercurrent for pockets of impressive wrestling on stage. 

I have very little knowledge of Norse mythology; a good amount of what I do know likely comes more from the Marvel universe. But don’t let that put you off if you are like me – it’s very easy to be invested very quickly in not only the story but the action. It’s clear that some in the audience do know this and/or are big fans of this production and therefore already have their favourites. The cheering and the booing all begin from the off and there’s already a buzz in the room for the action. Introductions are short but in keeping with the narrative and you quickly get used to the storyline, picking up on your favourites quickly. Accompanied by fantastic staging with, of course, the focal point being a wrestling “ring”, lighting, smoke machines and music blend to give a dramatic atmosphere and feeling of this mythical place. 

There are also funny bits, leaning into stereotypes of the characters and so at no point do you underestimate a character in being weaker because they are comedic or a bit of a coward because, despite the comedy or funny bits, they are just as fierce in the ring. And to say this – there is absolutely no sexism or misogyny, with the girl crush being so real. The women fighters have much stage presence, don’t shy away from fighting with the males and fully support the fierce norse women we hear about. We don’t know if we want to be their friend or be them. 

Mythos: Ragnarok is a spectacular night out. With an overall essence of theatrics through the narrative, the performances of different characters and choreography of the wrestling, it also balances nicely in evoking the competitive, sports/wrestling fans or making new ones with how fun and engaging each part is.