Disney’s Hercules Musical Is God Tier

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Although Disney has temporarily halted its production of live-action remakes, it’s fortunate that their streak continues unabated on the theater stage. They’re doing exceptionally well there right now.

In a hat trick at the West End, the corporation has succeeded with The Lion King, Frozen, and now Hercules dominating London’s oldest theaters. Each production has immersed its historic structures in Mickey’s distinctive, bold technicolor, and Hercules stands out as the most vivid among them.

This splendidly embellished musical spectacle is everything you could dream of, brimming with sparkle, exuberance, and an over-the-top flair that’s truly delightful. It masterfully rises to the task of transforming a show rooted in Greek mythology as well as ’90s animated series, doing so with a great deal of enthusiasm.

As a die-hard fan of musicals, I must admit that many adaptations fall short when it comes to maintaining the unique charm of their originals. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Hercules – it truly outdid itself! The way they managed this? By going all out to such an extent that even Mount Olympus seemed like a mere backdrop.

At Disney Headquarters, they aren’t accustomed to halfway attempts; instead, the magnitude and grandeur of this project consistently exceeds what we anticipate.

The sets are vastly more extensive than what you might envision. One instant finds you immersed in the tender charm of Herc and Meg’s intricately designed rose garden, while the next plunges you into Hades’ grand entrance on an old, creaky walkway, evoking a melancholic atmosphere reminiscent of a deserted school disco.

In the meantime, the props are adjusted to suit the available area. A variety of creatures like Cyclopses, Hydras, and large dog-rat beings (I could use some refresher on my mythology), storm the stage, dripping with excitement to instill a good measure of fear in the children. Moreover, many of the effects are executed practically, which is truly remarkable – a special mention goes out to the ingenious method they use to depict souls wandering freely in the Underworld.

The characters truly shine, but it’s The Muses who steal the spotlight. Candace Furbert, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, Malinda Parris and Robyn Rose-Li are a lively bunch, keeping the show lighthearted and playful at all times. Moreover, they consistently hit pitch-perfect notes. Without them, the show would lose its charm.

Following that, the next captivating highlight is Stephen Carlile embodying Hades with an infectious flair, strutting across the stage with delightful malice and delivering his lines as if each word were a feather from an aggrieved swan. I must admit, prior to the performance, I wondered how they would bring the iconic, blue-flamed cartoon character of Hades to life on stage. However, the answer was brilliantly encapsulated in masterful sarcasm and a breathtaking sequinned cape.

In a delightful twist, the characters are just as you’d envision them. Luke Brady portrays a charming, doe-eyed Labrador, his infectious big grin illuminating each scene. On the other hand, Mae Ann Jorolan brings a sharp, cynical take on Meg, proving herself to be every bit as heroic as Hercules in this adaptation.

In comparison to the original, one noticeable difference in this adaptation is an increased participation of female characters, including Meg. For instance, instead of Herc’s farmer father, we now have a nurturing mother figure, and Hera is given more prominence than the sometimes less sympathetic Zeus.

Additionally, some extra tunes are included to prolong the duration, but none quite reach the heights of the initial soundtrack’s brilliance. Only “Great Bolts of Thunder” in the second act left a mark, though this isn’t too surprising given the strong competition from songs like “Zero to Hero” and “I won’t Say (I’m in Love)”.

In the second part of the story, there are alterations to the narrative that aren’t drastic enough to upset traditional moviegoers, although I won’t disclose specifics to avoid revealing too much.

In essence, this production is a lively, humorous family spectacle, featuring a thrilling narrative and a relentless dose of child-friendly absurdity. Yet, much like Disney’s signature style, it also incorporates humor that older audiences can appreciate as well.

This production is bursting with glamour and excitement from every angle, yet it doesn’t skimp on emotion and depth. Unlike many current West End shows, which are like deceptive Trojan horses – enticing you with a gleaming exterior but delivering subpar songs or storylines within – Hercules stands out as an exception. I am grateful that it avoids such pitfalls.

I’m no oracle, but I can see this lasting at the theatre for a very long time.

When and where can I see Hercules at the West End?

The performance of Hercules will be running at Theatre Royal Drury Lane through the 28th of March, 2026. Performances take place from Monday to Saturday, and ticket prices begin at £33.

1. Don’t forget to catch some of the top-rated West End performances as well.

2. And here are some tips for buying discounted tickets to Cadbury World.

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2025-06-25 03:34