Stephen Fry, I am sure, will need no introduction. He would probably brush it off with mock-embarrassment being inwardly as pleased as punch to think that he is probably thought of as a National Treasure! He has also one of the most pleasing-to-listen-to voices I have had the privilege to listen to: no wonder he is so popular as an audio-book recording artist.
His ability at slipping in and out of different voices [accents and mimicry are his speciality], and he uses this gift frequently throughout the show as he voices different gods or mortals from different areas with more local accents giving one a broad Yorkshire brogue, whilst a Northern Irish and Welsh are used for others.
In this, the third and final part of his epic Mythos Trilogy: a set of three separate but broadly connected shows; he speaks of mortals, their relationship with the Greek Gods, and of course, the time when man no longer had the need of the gods and they are kept alive now, purely by myth and our fervent interest in them with works of literature, opera, music, and even popular children's literature taking inspiration from them.
In this 140 minute (advertised as 2 hours) 'lecture' - Fry speaks about Troy, King Priam, Paris, Sparta, Helen, Achilles, Troilus And Cressida, Odysseus's journey home, and much much more. It's educational and informative, but mostly it's fun. Fry's wry trademark self-effacing wit, along with his ability at sidetracking on a sidetrack of a sidetrack and still come back to the point of the story eventually is masterful. His years as a comedian and actor allowing him to relax and woo his audience superbly, and he is indeed a splendid raconteur.
The anecdotes, the meanderings, the little games he plays [one named Ask The Oracle Of Del-Fry] were fun, as well as his frequent but surprising dips into modern popular culture as a way of exemplifying and ameliorating our understanding.
I, like my two reviewers before me, was somewhat worried that I would not be able to sit listening to Stephen Fry for such a long time talk on such a weighty subject, which for the most part, is beyond my sphere of knowledge and education. However, Fry's wonderful oratory gift meant that he was able to pitch his speech just right and I could quite easily have satyed listening to him for much much longer!
Helping his one-man show were 5 large screens arranged in a semi-circle behind him, upon which images were projected. Sadly a few of these were a little out of focus, but for the most part were excellently thought out and really did aid the narrative without overkill. Subtle lighting changes and a few well-thought-out sound effects helped, as did Fry starting this show prostrate with a volley ball! [in order for this to be explained, then you need to see the show!]
Fry's books are illuminating, offering personal anecdote and insight, and are well worth purchasing for a future read. Far more thrilling though is to watch the man himself in action as he reels names and places off with lighting precision and speed, and wonder at this man's knowledge, genius and sheer enthusiasm for this subject. It's infectious and it's an absolute delight! Fry is in superb form, and this show - or indeed any of the three - are simply not to be missed!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 31/8/19
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