Who Let The Gods Out
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
until 22nd March 2026
It has been sometime since I studied Greek Mythology back at Primary School and so I was somewhat rusty on the Gods and their tales walking into this enchanting performance of Who Let the Gods Out? This was the first time that I have been to the Polka Theatre, I was struck by how warm and welcoming it was with a play area downstairs for children to relax before the show.
This show is recommended for children between the ages of 8-13 years old, though I must say that as an adult there are both some deeply heart warming and laugh out loud moments throughout the 1 hour and 30 mins spent in the theatre. The lead role of Elliot is portrayed with heart by Andy Owens, who despite being an adult actor perfectly captures the spirit of the 12-year-old character whose Mum means more to him than anything in the world. His Mum (played by Harrriett O’Grady) is experiencing a dementia type illness, this is portrayed with care and great sensitivity of how an adolescent would experience caring for a loved one with a condition such as this. So, this would be an affirming show for any young person with lived experience of this and/or the responsibilities of a young carer.
Elliot comes to know the world of the Gods head on when Virgo (Nadia Wyn Abouayen) a constellation crashes straight into a pile of Cow Manure at the Farm when Elliot and his Mum lives. Elliot then joins Virgo on a quest to feed the captured Thanatos which goes slightly awry (due to Elliots desire to help his Mum) and twists and turns along the way. The audience meets some of the famous Greek Gods along the way such as Zeus (Jazz Evans) and Hermes (Stephan Boyce), as Elliot and Virgo battle to beat Thanatos to the Chaos Stone to prevent him from wreaking havoc on mortals and immortals alike.
Littered with many jokes and references to today’s culture such as TikTok this show is a perfect blend of mythology and modern life. It is well paced and action-packed keeping children and adults alike engaged throughout its duration and has some catchy and upbeat songs that will have you bopping in your seat. Having not read the book I really enjoyed this as an adult and the talented cast (some of whom were playing multiple roles) transitioned seamlessly between characters.
Coincidentally my daughter is part way through reading this book at school so was more familiar with the plot and characters than I. So, for those who have read and are a fan of the books please be advised that as is the case for most book to stage translations some scenes and details from the story are not in this stage production. Hands down the funniest scene is the one featuring the Queen, without giving too much away she reveals that she has some hidden talents which enables her to protect herself without requiring much input from Elliot or Virgo!
Who let the Gods Out? is playing at the Polka Theatre Wimbledon until March 22, 2026.
Reviewer: Lisa Dawn
Photo: Jake Bush
Cast
Andy Owens as ‘Elliot’,
Nadia Wyn Abouayen as ‘Virgo’,
Harriet O’Grady as ‘Patricia Porshley Plum’/’Josie’/’The Queen’,
Jazz Evans as ‘Zeus’/’Thanatos’,
and Stephan Boyce as ‘Hermes’.