The West End Hercules is full of wit and energy – but Hades stole the show

The Sun

4 days ago

I WAS swept headfirst into Ancient Greece like a thunderbolt from Zeus himself - straight into a world of gods, grandeur and glittering choruses.
Inspired by the iconic '90s cartoon, this modern revamp of Disney's Hercules was a visual feast packed with sass, sparkle and out-of-this-world vocals.
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It's got laugh-out-loud comedy, whip-smart one-liners, and enough feel-good vibes to make even Hades crack a smile.
It's a mythological mash-up bursting with energy, attitude and family-friendly fun - no matter your age, you'll leave grinning like Hercules after lifting Mount Olympus one-handed.
It had all the songs you loved from the original film - plus fresh new tunes that hit harder than Hades' mood swings.
While the show bursts with insane vocals and dazzling visuals - it's the villain who steals the limelight.
With a devilish grin, razor-sharp one-liners and show-stopping swagger, Hades lights up the stage like the underworld on fire.
Hades gave full pantomime villain - and I was living for it
The sass, the sneers, the deliciously devilish energy - it all reminded me of another Disney icon: Scar from The Lion King.
You know, the shady uncle with the silky voice, major superiority complex and a flair for the dramatic.
So when I clocked that the actor Stephen Carile once played Scar on Broadway, it all made sense – the evil excellence was second nature.
Sure, I missed the classic flaming blue hair - but the menacing energy was spot on and he owned that stage!
The actor took Hades to a whole new level – becoming the ultimate scene-stealing baddie we love to hate.
From the moment the Muses belted their first note - I was hooked
Those talented ladies lit up the stage with god-tier vocals, sparkling stage presence and storytelling.
They delivered powerhouse performances packed with soul, sass and serious talent.
You felt like witnessing something truly magical.
Pure vocal perfection - and easily the highlight of the whole night.
Meanwhile, Hercules (Luke Brady) had the god-like charm and vocals to match - but let's just say emotional depth wasn't exactly his superpower.
Meg (Mae Ann Jorolan), on the other hand, was a total scene-stealer.
She brought back all the iconic sass we loved from the original - but dialled it up with killer sarcasm and added one-liners about dating that had the crowd howling.
The sets were bigger and bolder than you can imagine
They whisk you from the moody depths of the underworld to a rose garden so romantic it would make Cupid blush.
It was a full-blown visual feast – a riot of colour, dazzling lights and eye-popping textures.
The special effects were pure magic as mythical beasts were brought to life.
And the character costumes? On point.
Hera finally gets her moment
Unlike the film - where she barely gets a word in - the stage version lets the queen of the gods strut her stuff.
Dressed to slay, she delivers some brilliant banter with Zeus and even dishes out the advice that sets her son Hercules back on track.
About time, eh?
Meanwhile, Zeus is as helpful as a sunbed in the Sahara.
Why not 5 stars?
As a Disney superfan, I love it when an adaptation is faithful to the original story, but there were a couple of major moments from the animated classic that were nowhere to be seen in the stage show.
Some of the magic got left behind - including the flying favourite Pegasus.
The mythical winged horse is a huge part of the 1997 film, and I was hoping to see him soar above the stage. But no such luck.
Sure, I get that it's tricky - but Wicked manages to levitate a broom, and Back To The Future has a flying DeLorean. They could've made it work.
Also missing? The epic Titans battle, which was completely scrapped - despite being one of the film's most jaw-dropping sequences.
It would've been a visual knockout - but instead, it felt like the show fizzled out just when it should've peaked.
So, if you're expecting every magical moment from the film, prepare to be a little underwhelmed.
The plot also felt a little rushed - sprinting through scenes faster than Hermes on a caffeine high.
Although it was action-packed and bursting with brilliant one-liners, there was barely a second to breathe – or laugh – before we were hurtling into the next big moment.
The pace was so full-on, I was scared to blink in case I missed something golden.
The story missed those quiet, soul-searching moments where the characters could reflect and reveal more of their inner worlds.
Still, if you like your theatre like a double espresso - quick, punchy and full of flavour - this one's for you.
Disney might've hit pause on their live-action remakes, but thankfully, that rule doesn't apply to gods or stage shows - because Hercules was an absolute musical feast for the ears and eyes.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
★★★★
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