In this tour de force, sole performer Deborah Pugh commands the space – a largely empty stage – with great technique and a big personality. She darts backward and forwards in time to tell this epic story with utmost clarity, whilst her deft asides remind that this is indeed storytelling – with attitude. Medusa is often seen as a symbol of female rage but here she’s an observer, reprising the Trojan War and its aftermath from the perspectives of those given less air-time by Homer. Enriching rather than revisionist, both the gods and mortal men here show more than their usual frailty. It’s a timely reminder of the power of these great stories and their fallibility when told by the victors.

Pleasance Dome, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]