Welcome, soldiers! How often do you think about the Greek Empire? How about the Trojan War? In this production by Fishing 4 Chips, you get to step into the famous wooden horse in Burning Down the Horse, an immersive play that reimagines what things might have been like inside. Embark on an adventure with this lively cast of seven members through the ups and downs of battle. You might even ignite a revolt.
A wild ride that will have you doubled over with laughter
Most audiences will be familiar with the famous ancient story of the Trojan Horse. During the Trojan War, the Greek army hid inside a large wooden horse, disguised as a gift. This clever ruse allowed them to bypass the walls of Troy and ultimately secure victory. It is the ultimate deceit in history. However, while most people focus on the horse itself, this immersive play shifts the spotlight to what might have happened inside the wooden structure.
The actors are fully immersed in their roles even before the show begins. While you queue inside the Pleasance Dome, a woman dressed in a white toga walks down the line, inquiring about your battle skills and noting your responses on a clipboard. Once you enter the venue, you're welcomed into the wooden horse. As soon as I found my seat, one of the actors approached me with a bottle and asked me to hide it. This was meant to be wine and would get me into trouble later when our commanding officer found it under my seat. The show—and the horse—is led by Odysseus, depicted as a tyrant-like, self-absorbed leader primarily concerned with his own glory. The performance relies heavily on audience participation, with items concealed in the seats and actors mingling among the audience as fellow soldiers on this mission.
What’s striking about Burning Down the Horse is how it humanises ancient history. Although it’s a reimagining filled with comedy, quick wit, tragedy, and drama, being inside the horse yourself might help you visualise just how similar these ancient soldiers were to us. The thoughts that run through your mind, the peer pressure, the camaraderie, the fear of death, and the conflicting sense of duty—all of these aspects are brought to life, helping you connect with the ancient soldiers on a deeply human level.
There are plenty of puns and Easter eggs hidden in this play that history enthusiasts will surely appreciate. However, newcomers are also in for a wild ride that will have you doubled over with laughter. Travel back to a time that feels ancient, but discover just how much the people of that era are like us after all.
