Best described as pure theatre, The Penelopiad, The Odyssey: Her story, is a reverse image of the age-old Homer classic. An adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel by Director Juliet Forster brings an untold story to life. It is Penelope’s version of events. It tells of women in a time of war, a war caused by the compelling lure of Helen of Troy’s beauty, a war, if you like, caused by a woman.

By Angie Millard

Photos by Pamela Raith Photography

‘Violence against women [and] double standards are all the more relevant in 2026’, claims the director, making reference to the Christopher Nolan film of The Odyssey, which tells the received version.

Penelope becomes a narrator in this all-female production and Forster has adapted the script herself, adding to it and including wit and humorous observation.

The production tells the story using physical theatre, music, acrobatics and puppetry. A chorus of slaves use Greek masks to become a crowd. Some are attached to their bodies, others held aloft jeering or fighting. There is a moving scene of slaughter when Penelope’s beloved ‘girls’, who have protected her and been her comfort, are silenced. Ironically, they are killed by the returning Odysseus, and the girls who gained power are obliterated.

Amelia Bullmore is Penelope, who tells her tale from the underworld. Bullmore shows us how she survived for 20 years. Her voice is restrained, she is self-possessed, and throughout it all she maintains humour when the fates appear to turn against her. In a mesmerising sequence, we see her weaving a shroud for her father, helped by the maids who each interweave long ropes, then destroy their work at night so that it will never be finished, for if it is, she must remarry.

The chorus makes up a truly versatile ensemble, providing action, music, dance and characters who are believable and comic. Their energy gives a through-line to the piece.

Sara Perks’s set and designs have a magical quality. Pure white beds are flown in and steps are moved around a white plinth, transparent curtains float by as ship sails and actors become shadow puppets in battles and scenes of slaughter. The effects of it all are used to convey a myth in which the magic of theatre is used to absolute effect.

The Penelopiad played at York Theatre Royal on Wednesday 14 October 2026.