Penelope is the one-woman show where Penelope gets to be more than just a mother and wife. Accompanied by music from a three-piece chamber music-style band, Grace McLean’s Penelope is full of personality and rough edges: she drinks, complains, and curses the gods, all while sounding absolutely incredible.
As audience members enter the theatre, McLean is already onstage and in character as the sound of crashing waves immerses us in an imaginary Ithaca. The musical is from Penelope’s perspective as she waits two decades for Odysseus’ return and is told with a casual and modern vernacular. It highlights the familiar moments of Penelope’s story while reworking their emotional depth through a more relatable and colloquial lens. The lyrics toe the line between informal and poetic, and succeed in humanising Penelope through validating her many grievances at being abandoned.
McLean’s performance is riveting. Her voice is powerful yet versatile, and she moves seamlessly between speech and song. The minimalistic stage, set, and costumes work only because she is an undeniable powerhouse. She embodies Penelope entirely while managing to bring a fresh dimension to her portrayal of the iconic figure.
While McLean is the show’s main performer, the band occasionally chimes in, playing supporting roles (such as the voice of the goddess Athena). These moments are mirthful and clever adding to the show’s overall charm. Thus, the music (and the band) become characters of their own. The entrance of gods is announced by music, and each new number manages to feel exciting and novel.
Most notably, the musical allows Penelope autonomy over her relationship with Odysseus. She is both a devoted wife and a competent leader, but beyond that, she is also allowed to be a woman in love. In the show’s final number, Penelope declares: “I’ve been waiting here, Odysseus, not for you. I’ve waited here for us.” It recognises that her marriage with Odysseus is one of equals: it is admirable to be a fearless leader, but it is equally powerful to be in love.
Penelope is running until 30 August at Belly Button at Underbelly, Cowgate. Buy tickets here.
Image provided by Penelope Press Team for press use.
