Roe McDonnell
You think you’re in for another Antigone retelling? Think again. This bold energetic adaptation fuelled by the next generation of theatremakers, Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical was one of my most anticipated shows of Fringe 2026 and it is one of the most stunning productions I have ever seen.
As someone who wasn’t familiar with the original Sophocles play or any previous adaptations I was able to dive into this story with a new perspective.
Set in Thebes, California. The Oracle summons audience-citizens and invokes the ancient rites of drama and democracy to address a crisis. Two brothers, gay activist Nikolas and conservative cop Elias – are dead after a protest on the capitol steps. When the Governor proclaims one a hero and the other erased, defiant sister Tigg and best friend Henry risk everything for justice and love in a heart wrenching and heart breaking adaptation which is one for the ages
This production was all guns blazing from the get go. Helena Padial’s Oracle rips through our hearts in the opening (not too dissimilar to a particular Hermes) with her stunning vocals to lead us into a story where the ending is one we know is going to be a complicated. All shown through amazing soundtrack of original songs composed and written by Chris Rayis.
As we watched the story unfold we realise that their story is not so different from similar stories we watched unfold in 21st century America as the rights of queer people continue to decline. It’s productions like this that give us a wake up call that we need for society.
Each cast member was absolutely stunning in their own individual way from every angle you watch everyone fall in a lot of this production this Fringe and each other almost like a Hadestown feel you get the connection that you know how it’s gonna end and they know it too, but they retail the story again and again and again, and they will continue to rete it for generations to come.
Emmalynn Bruce is impeccable as Antigone ‘Tigg’. Her vocals and connection to everyone on the stage is radiant, and as her world continues to unfold her heart opens out to us all even more.
Elliot Choate’s Henry and Jonah Uffelman’s Nikolas are spellbinding. Their harmonies and connection to each other is to die for and each of their individual stories are insanely told.
The remaining cast of Trevor Hudson, Victoria Martinez, Elliot Sullivan and Sierra Saffran are equally impressive, this ensemble is a forced to be reckoned with and I will be waiting for a cast album for the rest of Fringe and if you see this, you will too.
You can catch Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 29 Aug at 15:05 (60 mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Abbie Lowe
Finlay Clench
