Our fascination with the Greek myths endures: even the most cursory glance through the Fringe programme throws up retellings, re-imaginations and reworkings, all with their own merits. So, there’s something refreshing about the stripped-back poetry of this take on The Bacchae from Glasgow-based Company Of Wolves. A solo monologue features a simple set of lights in wire cages, a couple of props (one inexplicably modern), and a priest/poet in the form of Ewan Downie. He tells the story of Dionysus, son of Zeus, who gets revenge for a lack of status recognition from his mother’s family by driving the women of Thebes to madness, in an orgy of wine and honey, dancing and murder (plus an earthquake or two thrown in).

Downie also wrote the script and it’s a thing of beauty: muscular, lyrical and sensuous, allowing him to conjure up whole worlds of wonder through his voice and body. It’s a complex, multi-peopled plot and it’s to his credit that both writing and performance keep everything straight and clear. If we can’t help wanting to know the women’s take on things (wine, honey and a boogie sounds pretty great, after all) then that’s down to Euripides rather than Downie. There’s much to enjoy here from a fine theatremaker who clearly relishes both stories and the telling of them. 

The Bacchae, Assembly Roxy, until 24 August, noon; main picture: Louise Mather.