I’ve always loved Greek mythology since I was a child (thank you Enid Blyton!), and even have cats named Hades and Pandora, so I was thrilled when I saw there was going to be a production of The Penelopiad.
I’m always keen to see something a little different at York Theatre Royal, and The Penelopiad certainly offers a fresh perspective on a story that has been told for thousands of years.
Based on the novella by Margaret Atwood (another favourite author), best known for The Handmaid’s Tale, this production turns the spotlight on the women who have often been left in the background of Greek mythology.
What is The Penelopiad about?
Most of us will have heard of Odysseus and his epic adventures in The Odyssey, but what about his wife, Penelope, who was left waiting for him to return from the Trojan War for twenty years?
In this retelling, we finally get to hear her side of the story. Narrated from the underworld, Penelope looks back at her life, questioning the familiar version of events and revealing a rather different perspective on her supposedly heroic husband.
However, this isn’t just Penelope’s story. Margaret Atwood also gives a voice to the twelve maids whose tragic fate is often overlooked in the original tale. Their experiences bring a much darker edge to the story, exploring injustice, betrayal and the treatment of women.
The production at York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal’s production stars Amelia Bullmore as Penelope, (you may recognise Amelia from television appearances in Riot Women and Scott & Bailey), and she takes on a character who is far more complex than the faithful wife we might expect.
One of the things that makes this adaptation particularly interesting is its mix of humour and darker themes. There is wit and playfulness throughout, but underneath it all are some uncomfortable questions about power, reputation and whose version of history we choose to believe.
The production also brings the story to life through a combination of music, dance, physical theatre and visual storytelling, creating something much more dynamic than a straightforward retelling of an ancient myth.
If you enjoy theatre that challenges the stories we think we know, The Penelopiad is an intriguing choice. It takes a familiar tale and turns it on its head, asking us to consider what happens when the women finally get to tell their own stories.
It’s also a reminder that history is often written by those with the loudest voices, and that there may be another side to even the most celebrated heroes.
The production was incredibly popular with the audience and received a standing ovation, with all of the post show chatter being very positive.
You can see The Penelopiad at York Theatre Royal until 31 October 2026.
Find out more and book tickets: York Theatre Royal – The Penelopiad
