Hercules the Musical is a crowd-pleaser
“Show-stealing performances from the Muses and plenty of heart to keep audiences captivated.”
STAR RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
THEATRE: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
DATES: June 6, 2025 - March 28, 2026
Disney’s Hercules has officially landed on the West End stage—and it’s already stirring up plenty of conversation. Adapting one of Disney’s most iconic animated films is no small feat, and expectations were sky-high. While this production delivers on energy, music, and moments of brilliance, it also leaves a few fans wondering what could have been.
The Story You Know, With a Twist
The musical follows the familiar story of Hercules, the demigod who’s banished to Earth by his jealous uncle Hades. To reclaim his place on Mount Olympus, he must prove himself a true hero. Fans of the 1997 film will recognize the core plot, but this adaptation does take some liberties—some characters are missing, and others are reimagined entirely.
Show-Stealing Muses
Without a doubt, the muses are the highlight of this production. Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), and Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore) bring charisma, powerhouse vocals, and tight choreography to every number. Whether belting out “The Gospel Truth” or electrifying the stage with “Zero to Hero,” they give the show its soul and energy. Their gospel-inspired performances infuse the musical with vibrance, sass, and showmanship.
Meg, Hades, and a New Tone
Meg, played by Mae Ann Jorolan delivers all the sass and sultry charm fans expect. Her rendition of “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” is a standout moment, especially with the muses backing her up. That said, the stage version of Meg feels a bit flatter than her animated counterpart—some of her emotional nuance has been stripped away.
Hades, portrayed by Stephen Carlile, leans into camp and caricature. While his larger-than-life villainy works in some scenes—particularly during a visually inventive vortex sequence—it lacks the sinister bite of the original film. The reimagining may divide audiences: some might enjoy the theatrical flamboyance, others may miss the darker undertones.
Hercules Himself—and What’s Missing
Luke Brady delivers a solid performance as Hercules, with “Go the Distance” providing one of the show’s most emotional moments. Still, for a title character, Hercules doesn’t always feel like the focal point. He slips in and out of scenes, making it hard to fully connect with his journey.
Some beloved characters are notably absent—Pegasus is mentioned but never appears, and Pain and Panic have been reworked into two human henchmen with an underexplained redemption arc. The climactic battle with Hades features creative staging, but lacks the scale you might expect from a Disney finale.
Staging: Creative but Inconsistent
The show makes clever use of projections, movable Greek columns, and inventive set pieces (including a surprising statue sequence with Hera and Zeus). Still, the vast Drury Lane stage sometimes feels underused. When the full ensemble is present, the stage bursts with life. But in quieter moments, the space can feel oddly empty.
Final Verdict
Hercules is a fun, fast-paced, and energetic musical that’s sure to delight fans—especially those who adore the muses. But manage your expectations. This isn’t The Lion King or Aladdin in terms of scale or innovation. It’s more of a reimagined tribute than a faithful recreation. If you love the story and songs, you’ll likely enjoy the ride.
