Fate: can you change it, and is it a good idea to try? This was the theme running through Jo Blake’s Even Above the Gods, in which stories from around the world showed how well, and how badly, things might turn out if you try to intervene with the forces of destiny. From the joyous optimism of the drum boy, to the successes and failure of the boy with the flute, we met people with good intentions, bad intentions (Who knew you could steal someone else’s fate?) and people who just couldn’t get it together. People, in fact, who despite their diversity in time, culture and geography, are people we all know in real life.
The instrumental accompaniment from Fergie and Jo herself added another layer of enchantment, and we had some laughs too. Jo brought her stories to life in a way that was eminently believable but never predictable. I think the best stories engage, entertain and make you think, and this evening did all of those things for me.
Susan Hillman May 2026