Hercules is the latest beloved Disney animated classic to be reimagined for the stage by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Based on the fan-favourite 1997 film, the musical had its world premiere at the Delacorte Theater in New York’s Central Park in 2019. It later underwent a book revision by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah before opening at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse in 2023.
In a rare move, the show then leapt to its first international production in Hamburg in 2024, directed by Casey Nicholaw. Now, the gods have spoken—Hercules storms the West End for its highly anticipated debut at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this summer, promising an epic theatrical adventure of mythic proportions.
Hercules the musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth. It’s what classical civilisation would have wanted. Ancient Greece. A time of gods, mortals… and Hercules, who isn’t quite either. But if he’s not a god, how can he possibly save the world from Hades? It’s one thing flexing those pecs, but going from zero to hero requires a different kind of strength. Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure, self-discovery, and love. In tunics.
As our hero Hercules, Luke Brady shines. Commanding the stage with both a rich, expressive vocal performance and an irresistible charm, Brady leads the production with confidence and heart. He brings a refreshing vitality to the role, embracing the show’s larger-than-life tone and leaning into its sense of escapism with gleeful abandon. It’s clear he’s having fun—and the audience is right there with him.
Mae Ann Jorolan delivers a stellar turn as Meg, combining sharp wit with stunning vocals. Her rendition of the beloved I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) is effortless, showcasing her vocal prowess and her ability to flesh out Meg as the self-assured, independent woman we all know and love.
Trevor Dion Nicholas brings charisma and comedic timing in spades as Phil. With an expanded role that now includes a partnership with Medusa and some newly penned songs, Nicholas has ample material to play with—and he does so with gusto. His performance is animated, heartfelt, and full of personality, adding new layers to the gruff-yet-lovable trainer of heroes.
Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett are hilarious as Bob and Charles and their duet Getting Even (Reprise) gives the pair their own hero moment.
Perhaps the most significantly reimagined character is Hades, and Stephen Carlile seizes the opportunity to reinvent the god of the underworld. Departing from the familiar animated portrayal, Carlile crafts a version of Hades that is deliciously menacing, very funny and entirely his own. He straddles the line between villain and showman with skill, anchoring the show’s more sinister moments while never losing sight of its campy, irreverent tone.
As the beloved Muses, Candace Furbert, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, Malinda Parris, and Robyn Rose-Li steal the show. From the moment enter, greeted by raucous applause, they command the stage with an undeniable charisma. Their individual talents shine in solo moments and when they come together in rich, gospel-inspired harmonies the magic of the Muses truly happens. Effortlessly cool and vocally flawless, the Muses are the heart and soul of the production and audience favourites from their first note to their last.
On the production side, this show never misses a beat. Dane Laffrey’s scenic design fills the large stage of Theatre Royal Drury Lane easily, using roaming ancient Greek pillars to transition seamlessly between scenes and a fly-in bridge which made travelling to and from Hades underworld visually electrifying.
George Reeve delivers a stunning mosaic-inspired video design that adds a layer of sophistication to the show, beautifully depicting sunsets, temples and even a solar eclipse.
James Ortiz’s inventive puppet design brings Hercules’ monstrous foes to life with flair including the famed multi-headed Hydra. Sky Switser’s costume design rounds things out brilliantly, with layered, characterful looks that help every god and mortal shine while director Casey Nicholaw’s vibrant choreography injects the production with boundless energy and flair.
Hercules is a joyfully reimagined version of the beloved 1997 film, crafted to delight audiences of all ages and especially perfect for a family outing.
While this production includes all the familiar elements—the hero, the gods, the villains, and of course, the Muses—it also carves out a distinct and unique identity of its own. Although it pays homage to the original film, direct comparisons can overshadow what this version brings to the table. This Hercules forges its own path, delivering fresh storytelling, committed performances and bold visual design. It’s a show bursting with humour and heroism and one that would surely make the gods themselves smile.
★★★★★
Reviewed by Stuart James
If you enjoy/have enjoyed any of these performances, why not nominate them for a West End Wilma Award
