It is thought that Homer’s Odyssey, formed of 24 parts, was first inscribed to paper in the 6th century. “But it did not begin its life in such a fixed form [...] it had existed for hundreds of years in the mouths of bards and the ears of their listeners,” explain The Factory.

It is this trend of spontaneity and improvisation that has been wonderfully encapsulated within The Factory’s production, which is a play about how we tell stories, and a celebration of the oral tradition.

As a member of the audience, you will be given the opportunity to decide the fate of the actors. A container full of shards is passed around the room, each with a different method of storytelling upon it. These methods include telling the story through using three word speeches, poetry, prologues, and personal stories. This ensures that The Odyssey will told in a different way each night, as the actors and the audience don’t know what the next shard will be.

Willing volunteers are also invited on to the stage and they too have the chance to perform this complex tale.

“It is always better when we don’t know what is going to happen” say the actors, who seemingly relish the challenge of piecing together the story in new and imaginative ways.

The play came to the Theatre Royal as part of the TakeOver Festival 2013, which hopes to bring new talent and fresh audiences through the theatre doors.

Expect the unexpected.

The Odyssey, The Factory, York Theatre Royal, tonight at 7.30 pm. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Review by Camilla James