It’s official — Hercules has landed in London, and boy, it lifts. Disney’s latest stage adaptation at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a spectacular blend of myth, music, and mayhem that hits like a thunderbolt from Mount Olympus. Packed with heart, humour, and just the right amount of sass, this is a production that truly goes the distance.
Let’s start with the absolute sensation of the night — the Muses. Malinda Parris (Calliope), Candace Furbert (Thalia), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpichore), and Sharlene Hector (Clio) don’t just steal the show — they own it. From the opening number, their vocals soar to the heavens, gliding across the stage in gloriously divine costumes that deserve their own standing ovation. Whether narrating with gospel fire or bringing down the house with “Zero to Hero,” they’re the heart, soul, and attitude of the show. Honestly, we could have sat there and watched just them for two hours.
Luke Brady steps into the sandals of Hercules himself with enough charm and looking like a young, chiseled Donny Osmond. He’s got the pipes, the pecs, and the presence — a true leading man in every sense. And when he belts “Go the Distance”? Goosebumps. Everywhere.
Mae Ann Jorolan is a divine Meg — equal parts sardonic, sharp and stunning. She slips into Meg’s iconic “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” like it was written just for her, bringing real emotion and strength to a character often written off as the snarky sidekick. She’s far more than that here — she’s the backbone.
Trevor Dion Nicholas, no stranger to Disney magic thanks to his stints as Aladdin’s Genie, gives a robust and rowdy turn as Phil. It’s odd seeing Phil as a human rather than a grumpy Satyr, and it does lose some of the cheeky magic, but Nicholas makes up for it with sheer energy and warmth. He’s a crowd favourite from the get-go.
Then there’s Stephen Carlile’s Hades — in a very red regal robe, not the signature shimmering blue we’re used to. He plays him like an unhinged Trump-meets-panto villain, and you know what? It weirdly works. His comedic timing is razor-sharp, delivering some of the night’s best zingers. But honestly — renaming Pain and Panic to Bob and Charles (Craig Gallivan & Lee Zarrett)? Even the show jokes about it… and still, it feels like an unnecessary rewrite of what was already perfect chaos.
Now, if we’re being honest, the absence of Pegasus is a bit of a head-scratcher. Considering Frozen gave us Sven the reindeer in full puppet glory, it feels like a missed opportunity to not include Herc’s winged pal — especially in a show with this kind of budget.
But that’s small fries in the grand scheme. The staging is bold and HUGE. The LED screens behind the action do a lot of heavy lifting from casting golden light over the dusty plains of ancient Greece, to recreating the chaotic grandeur of Olympus. Despite it animated backdrop at times you could be forgiven for believing it’s real.
Under David Whitby’s dynamic musical direction, the orchestra erupts from the pit with Olympian force. Every note feels like lightning striking Mount Olympus; grand, bold, and totally worthy of the gods. The musical numbers, both classic and new, are delivered with soaring confidence, giving familiar hits like “Zero to Hero” and “Go the Distance” the kind of goosebump-raising moments fans of the film will hope for.
And while the new songs from Menken and Zippel might not be instant classics just yet, they carry the right amount of wit, warmth, and purpose to feel at home in this world of gods, mortals, and heroes. The balance of nostalgia and novelty hits just right, Hercules fans won’t be disappointed.
This is Hercules in full, fabulous form. It’s glittery, heartfelt, cheeky, and just the right kind of chaotic. Every scene bursts with colour, energy, and comedic confidence, and the staging never stops surprising. Whether you grew up with the film or are discovering its mythic magic for the first time, this stage version proves it still has the strength of a demigod.
If you’re looking for a night at the theatre that’s part Disney nostalgia, part West End spectacle, and all heart trust us, this one’s a true gift from the gods.
