Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on June 22nd, 2026 | return to news

REVIEW: Persephone, Queen of the Underworld

Artemis Theatre Company, Allendale Centre Theatre

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

On a day when the temperature in Wimborne was as high if not higher than Greece, it seemed appropriate for this theatre company to stage this myth from ancient Greek mythology.

And what a powerful performance it was.

Telling the story of passion, loss and triumph, there was a little humour too provided in inimitable style by James Soulsby as the narrator and Hermes.

‘Persephone, Queen of the Underworld’ opened with a stylish interaction between Zeus, king of the gods, and the calmest of three brothers played by George Findlay, Hades, king of the underworld with a mastery of menacing energy from Charlie Hall, and Poseidon, god of the seas with more than a touch of swagger from Jack Davis.

As always, Julia Savill put in a mesmerising performance as Persephone’s mother Demeter, with more than one spellbinding speech which would have resonated with every mum in the audience.

Bethany Knight filled the stage as Persephone, who ended up in the underworld as the bride of Hades.
Completing the main cast was Kym Cox in a dramatic sequence as Hecate and Shade.

Mention must also be made of the nymphs — Rachel Hudson, Kristy Young, Hannah Dudley, Kibibi Stevenson Richardson and Nila Beck — who, joined by Kym Cox and Jack Davis, had to go through so many emotions, from delight and joy to abject misery.

Directed and written by Christine Artemis, this was a thought-provoking production with stellar performances.

If you would like to join the company, contact: info@artemistheatre.com.