Based on the beloved book series, Who Let The Gods Out arrives at the Polka Theatre as a high-energy adventure that proves you don’t need an army to stage an epic. The cast of five is the true engine of the show, masterfully juggling an expansive array of characters. Their multi-roling showcases impressive stamina; performers vanish off-stage only to reappear seconds later from the opposite wing as someone entirely different.

While a larger ensemble might have allowed the world to feel more expansive and "roam free," the intimacy of the five-piece cast brings a scrappy, charming energy to the classic adventure.

The script stays true to the spirit of the source material - a classic quest filled with colourful characters and vibrant locations. What makes this production stand out, however, is its commitment to the grown ups in the room. The humor is sharp and surprisingly topical, featuring modern jabs with references to TikTok culture that had youngsters and adults laughing together. Also present were witty nods to the UK political system, including a particularly funny moment where the villain expresses a desire for Reform!

Where the production stumbles slightly is in its musical identity. While the lyrics are often witty and fun, the songs don't quite achieve "earworm" status. This is largely due to a reliance on pre-rerecorded tracks that felt thin in the space, lacking the punch of a live or more dynamic arrangement. A few too many loops made the score feel a bit stagnant rather than driving the narrative forward.

Technically, the lighting design provides some genuine "ooh and ahh" moments that captivated the younger audience members. However, these flashes of brilliance were occasionally undermined by a very basic set design that failed to deliver the "godly" impact one might expect from a story about Mount Olympus.

At two acts, the show feels a little stretched; it arguably would have been a punchier, more powerful experience as a tight one-act production. That said, it remains a fun, spirited family outing. Fans of the book will find plenty to love, and the relentless humour ensures that the kids will be laughing from start to finish.