REMYTHED: A JOYFUL QUEER RECLAMATION OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  | Press Invite

Bet’n Lev Theatre’s Remythed is fabulous, darlings! A vibrant, thought-provoking celebration of queer joy that breathes new life into ancient myths and legends. Conceived by Joel Samuels and Roann Hassani McCloskey, this production is a masterclass in storytelling, blending physical theatre, comedy, and heartfelt narrative to reclaim LGBTQIA+ histories with warmth, wit, and unapologetic pride. 

Some of the cast are present on stage pre-show and they certainly enjoy some audience work but it helped ease the audience into the experience. What an experience it was. From the moment the lights dim, Remythed envelops the audience in a world where queer figures—both famous and forgotten—take center stage. The show’s structure, a series of vignettes woven together with (almost) seamless fluidity, introduces us to characters like Lady Godiva, Sheherazade, and Lilith, reimagined through a queer lens. These stories, drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, are a testament to the universality of queer existence, proving that LGBTQIA+ people have always been part of the fabric of human history.

What sets Remythed apart is its unwavering focus on joy. In a landscape where queer narratives often dwell on trauma, this production is a refreshing ode to love, community, and self-discovery. A standout moment is the tender romance between Lady Godiva and a reimagined Peeping Tom, which brims with the charm of a lesbian period drama. Similarly, Lilith’s rejection of the Garden of Eden’s constraints in favor of gender fluidity is both empowering and deeply moving, bathed in golden light that mirrors their liberation.

The cast of five is nothing short of extraordinary, embodying over 30 roles with effortless versatility. Emile Clarke, Ishmael Kirby, Roann Hassani McCloskey, Joel Samuels, and Lucy Roslyn are a dynamic ensemble, shifting between genders, ages, and cultures with precision and grace. Their physicality is particularly striking (I particularly liked the ‘I’m a Snake’ moment), using movement to convey everything from royal rigidity to the isolating buzz of a modern gay bar. 

The production’s playful tone occasionally leans into self-referential humor, and its festival roots shine through in the interactive energy—making the audience feel like active participants in this joyous reclaiming of history.

Remythed is a “hug-in-mug” (as the creators aptly describe it) that leaves you glowing with warmth and a renewed sense of connection.

With its stellar cast, inventive storytelling, and infectious spirit, Remythed is a must-see. Whether you’re queer or an ally, this production will leave you uplifted, enlightened, and utterly charmed.

Remythed tours the UK until 11 July 2025.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A delightful celebration of queer history and joy.

Photo Credit: Ali Wright