This week, a friend dragged me to the end of the world otherwise known as the end of the District line, which, for a central Londoner like me, is pretty much the same thing! She promised it would be worth the journey and that we would have a good laugh. Despite my initial scepticism, I must admit she was absolutely right. We were there to see Oh Zeus! at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, a gloriously chaotic comedy that brings Greek mythology to the stage with a healthy dose of absurdity. And yes, the gods certainly know how to put on a show! We laughed. A lot. It was one of those gloriously silly evenings with a good friend that really deserves to be accompanied by a glass of wine or two.
Comedy is probably one of the hardest genres to get right. Will you laugh out loud or simply manage a polite grin? Thankfully, Oh Zeus! had us laughing properly. This is the kind of comedy that doesn’t need to deliver a profound message or change your life. Its mission is much simpler: to make you forget a long day at work, switch off your brain for a couple of hours and go to bed in good spirits. It reminded me of the old-school comedies of the 1990s – and I hadn’t enjoyed that sort of silliness in quite a while!
Created by hit UK comedy company Le Navet Bete in collaboration with writer-director John Nicholson, Oh Zeus! takes us on an outrageously convoluted, supernatural adventure through Ancient Greece and the Underworld. Zeus is determined to derail his daughter Hebe’s marriage to a mortal, Greg, to protect the stability of Mount Olympus. Naturally, things spiral gloriously out of control. When Greek gods get involved in family affairs, you know you’re in for trouble!
The real magic, however, is the acting. Just three performers, Matt Freeman, Al Dunn and Nick Bunt, somehow bring around 35 to 40 different characters to life. The speed at which they switch between roles is astonishing. It’s not just a matter of changing costumes: their voices, expressions and entire acting styles transform in the blink of an eye. Watching them juggle so many personalities is a treat in itself, and one of the things I won’t forget in a hurry.
One little spoiler: be prepared for audience interaction! Depending on your mood and your appetite for being part of the action, you might want to think twice before booking a seat in the front row. You’ve been warned!
Following its London run at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and an extensive UK tour in 2026, further dates are expected to be announced, so watch this space.
My verdict? If you fancy an evening of pure, unpretentious fun, gather your friends and book yourself a ticket when the show comes your way. Let the gods take care of the drama while you concentrate on the laughter. After all, even Zeus deserves a night out and so do we.
For more information about Oh Zeus!, visit Le Navet Bete’s website: www.lenavetbete.com.
Age Guidance: 12+
Content Warnings: None
Running Time: 2 hrs 30 minutes (including interval)
FORTHCOMING 2026/27 TOUR DATES
15-19 September The Dukes, Lancaster
https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/oh-zeus
25-26 September Lighthouse Poole
https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/oh-zeus
6-10 October Queens Theatre Hornchurch
https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/oh-zeus
15-17 October New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
9-13 February Mayflower Studios, Southampton
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/oh-zeus-2027
28 February Theatre Royal Plymouth
https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/oh-zeus
11-13 March Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/oh-zeus
18-20 March Salisbury Playhouse
ON SALE SOON
2-3 April Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Canterbury
9-10 April Newcastle Theatre Royal
ON SALE SOON
13-17 April Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
ON SALE 20 OCTOBER
27 April-1 May Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
ON SALE SOON
13-15 May Harrogate Theatre
17-19 June Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
ON SALE SOON
16-19 Sept Mercury Theatre Colchester
https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/oh-zeus
Hi, I’m Francesca! I live in central London and I’m rarely home — there’s always a gallery, gig, or show pulling me out the door. My real loves are music, art and theatre, but I’m just as happy exploring history, sport, or whatever’s newly opened and worth talking about. I’m on a constant search for London’s most enriching experiences, big and small, and I’m here to help you find them too.
