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The Cyclops

 
Paul Fisher Cockburn Review by Paul Fisher Cockburn 3 Published: 7 Aug 2025 theSpace @ Symposium Hall Show Dates: 1 Aug 2025-23 Aug 2025

At least in some earlier promotional material, The Cyclops was promoted as a new (even “hilarious”) adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, which details the ten-year journey home by the Greek king Odysseus and his ships following the conclusion of the Trojan War. Coming upon an island, his desperate crew’s hopes of finding helpful locals and fresh supplies are smashed – literally – by a murderous one-eyed monster (the titular Cyclops) and a band of rakish immortals.

The real meat of the show lies is in the unspoken secrets and truths between the six men

At a push, this version, set in a storm-lashed public house on the Isle of Mull, at least retains the spirit of the chaotic Greek pantheon that played with the fate of Odysseus and his crew. But here, we’re talking about six estranged young men in their twenties, coming together to mark the first anniversary of the death of one of their peers. Several switches to the ancient tragedy notwithstanding, the real meat of the show lies in the unspoken secrets and truths between the six men – at least until the alcohol starts loosening tongues.

Devised by the cast, it’s arguable that each of the six actors on stage – an increasing rarity in these cash-strapped times – ensures they play to their strengths: Liam McCafferty gives particular value as the emotionally explosive Chris (who also doubles as Odysseus), while no one glowers quite as effectively as Derek Coyle. Yet the rest of the cast – Harrison Burnside, James Forrest, Thomas A Ross and Charles Robertson – have impact too, under the excellent direction of Frankie Regalia.

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The Blurb:

Following a tragic event, six estranged young men reunite off the coast of Scotland, once childhood friends but now adults hardened by society. It is a sharp, hilarious, and occasionally brutal tale about the things men don't say out loud. Beneath the jokes and jabs, something darker is clawing its way to the surface: guilt, grief, and a shared question no one wants to ask aloud – how did they not see it coming? Through patter, piss takes and a few dozen pints, the group stumble towards honesty – and possibly even healing. TW: mentions suicide.