Maz Evans reveals Who Let the Gods Out?
This half term Who Let the Gods Out? at Polka Theatre sees a heavenly host of deities dramatised in an hilarious comedy. It’s adapted from the best-selling book by Maz Evans and aimed at ages 8-13, so we were really excited to get a chance to chat with Maz about bringing her acclaimed work from page to stage.
Hi Maz. Thanks so much for finding time to talk with us about the show. Firstly, can you tell us a little about the plot of Who Let the Gods Out?
Thank you so much for having me! So WLTGO is the story of Elliot Hooper, a 12-year-old boy who is caring for his poorly mother. His life is complicated enough trying to hold everything together… but when Virgo, an immortal constellation, crash lands in his cow shed and they accidentally release a death daemon from beneath Stonehenge, it launches him into an epic adventure with the Gods of Greek mythology…
You’ve had huge success with your writing, but is this the first time you have written a musical? Why was this book the one to dramatise?
You’re very kind! This isn’t my first musical, but it is the first time I have adapted my own book. When Helen Matravers at Polka Theatre first approached me three years ago for a stage production, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always wanted Elliot, Virgo and the Gods to have a life off the page and I knew straight away I wanted it to be a musical. The response from my readers – my GodsSquad – to the show has been immense. They are absolutely loving seeing their favourite characters come to life – our director Ria Parry has done the best job, she knows exactly how to engage children with theatre and they are hooked. We’ve had huge audiences and they’ve been laughing and clapping and cheering and up on their feet… it’s been a joy to behold.
Who is in your cast and which characters we can expect to meet?
I can’t imagine you have enough space for me to rave about this cast… they are incredible. Andy Owens plays Elliot with such heart and humour – and the man has the voice of an angel. Nadia Wyn Abouayen was my Virgo the moment she walked into the audition – and she plays her so very beautifully, a star in every sense. Stephan Boyce has got Hermes’ swagger down to a tee – the man has such funny bones and has had us all in stitches. Jazz Evans plays both Zeus and Thanatos perfectly with so much fun and presence, everyone just loves him. And Harriet O’Grady brings something sensational to every single one of her roles – Josie, Patricia Porshley-Plum, The Queen, a fairy… she’s a powerhouse. They are all extraordinary talents – but also the most lovely humans, it’s been a joy working alongside them and to see them get all the praise they so richly deserve.
How’s it been working with composer Luke Bateman?
Luke and I have been collaborating for 15 years now, so we’re like an old married couple! I just love working with Luke – he is an immensely gifted composer and a great friend. We still don’t quite know how we write together – it’s strangely effortless! Usually I write the lyrics and Luke composes around them – but this time we’ve approached each song differently. The soundscape he has created for the world of WLTGO is perfect – I knew it had to be him for this project and I was right! He’s done an incredible job. And anyone who isn’t moved by You Are Home To Me – the song Elliot sings to his mum, Josie? Well then Medusa must have turned your heart to stone!
Your work has been compared favourably to that of Roald Dahl, who was also adept at putting magic into ordinary situations. In a modern world where we now have internet knowledge at our fingertips and AI creation, why do you think stories about ancient deities still work for everyday young audiences?
I really struggled to get WLTGO published in the first instance because adults said that kids wouldn’t vibe with Greek mythology – I refuted it then and I’ve never been happier to be proven correct! The Gods are timeless – they are deities, but deeply flawed ones who experience all the things we mortals do: love, joy, jealousy, failure, anger, family, conflict… these themes will echo throughout time. The joy of my book and now this production is to bring those Gods into the 21st century – thus Hermes has an iGod and Virgo is trying to understand Tik Tok…! Children’s reading is going through a strange time, with an inevitable hangover from the pandemic and so many other calls on their attention. But before anyone gets too worried about it – come and see the crowds of little GodsSquadders running up to me to get their books signed at every show. If you create magical art for children, they will respond – and that’s exactly what we’ve done at Polka.
Who Let the Gods Out? tells a very funny story but also deals with some serious social problems such as pay day loans and mental health issues. How do you find young people respond to having these themes brought into the open?
Kids are so much better at changing gears than we are. A child thinks nothing of going from light to dark in the space of two heartbeats – it’s we adults who struggle. And I firmly believe that any work for children should contain truth. Not necessarily The Truth – there is a lot in the world that children need to find at their own pace and in their own way. But it should contain A Truth. Elliot’s life is hard – and many young people will relate. But there are always people who will help you if you let them. And there is always magic to be found in the everyday. I truly believe that. Surely that is ultimately what any of us in the arts is trying to do. To bring truth and magic. And I feel immensely proud and privileged to be part of a show that does just that.
Thanks very much to Maz for telling us about this exciting new musical.
Who Let the Gods Out? is aimed at ages 8-13 years and plays at Polka Theatre until Sunday 22 March.
