Wright and Granger created the Fringe show *Orpheus* back in 2016. Charting a tragic Greek tale with a modern spoken word and music spin, it has won numerous awards over the years. After 700 live shows and countless Adelaide Fringe performances, they've returned in 2026 before taking a well-deserved hiatus. Do you think that See Do Eat Review, after hearing so many good things about this performance, has ever attended * Orpheus* over the years? Sadly, no. As I discovered on Wednesday night, that has been to my detriment. Not only is * Orpheus* one of the most powerful shows I've ever seen, but it is also staged in the most beautiful venue that the Adelaide Fringe has ever hosted.

You don't have to brush up on your Greek tragedies to understand the story of *Orpheus*, but it would certainly help. The story of one man's love for a woman, whom he would go to the depths of hell to rescue, is filled with joy, hope, sadness, and longing. Wright and Granger have changed the narrative but kept the storyline, as we hear about a man named Dave who lives in a grey-coloured world. After meeting and falling in love with Eurydice, he finally sees colour. Tragedy strikes, and it is up to Dave to rescue Eurydice from the pits of Hades. To discuss any more of the plot would be an injustice to the way Wright and Granger share this story. In a moving tribute to storytelling, they not only make you feel every beat of this tale but leave you on the verge of tears by the very last word and stroke of the guitar string.

The ambience that the two-story Mortlock Library creates is one of the key features of this captivating performance. With a walkway stage set up in the middle of the library, a four-piece orchestra playing from the second level, reverberating surround sound, and haunting, shadowy lighting, the very essence of *Orpheus'* story is fully enhanced. But, of course, it's the powerful spoken word and rhythmic guitar playing that will really capture your attention. They may be 700 performances deep, but they perform like it's their very first time. Plucking at your heartstrings with every chapter before ripping it out as the story concludes. This was a performance that had me on the verge of tears and required my plus one to go into the bathrooms for a gentle sob. It's fair to say that many other audience members felt the same. If I could give this show seven stars, I would!

***** Five Stars