London Theatre Review: Hercules

A corner of the West End, a stone’s throw from the Covent Garden piazza, has been transformed into Ancient Greece as the latest production from Disney on Stage graces the famous Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Following hot on the heels of Aladdin and Frozen, Hercules might not be a story that is as popular with British Disney fans, but with the musical adaptation enjoying huge success on Broadway, its arrival has certainly turned heads.

Here we have the story of the son of Greek gods who sets out on a journey to return to Mount Olympus. Inspired by the 1997 Disney animated film, the show is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (Book of Mormon, Aladdin) and is composed by Alan Menken, who also wrote the music for the original animation. 

It opens on Mount Olympus, where the King and Queen of the Gods - Zeus and Hera - are celebrating the birth of their son Hercules, with an energetic, all-singing and dancing opening scene that sets the tone perfectly. The decadent palace of the gods is flanked by towering columns which move on stage throughout the performance to indicate changing settings. It’s a very clever trick!

A voiceover sets the scene and we are introduced to the Muses, a collection of five musical storytellers who guide the audience throughout the story. Who would have put the Greek gods and a gospel-style group together? Made up of Brianna Ogunbawo, Malinda Parris, Sharlene Hector, Robyn Rose-Li and, in the performance we watched, Kimmy Edwards, they performed every scene with vocals so powerful it was impossible to stay still.

Zeus invites his brother Hades to celebrate the birth of Hercules and the flamboyant megalomaniac sets out on a path to power after hearing a prophecy. Stephen Carlile, provided a most notable performance as Hades and is the epitome of a stage villain, with comedic timing, dastardly plans and unmatched charisma. He was expressive and funny and had the audience engaged every time he took to the stage, with one-liners and the best stage presence of the entire cast.

Hades’ henchmen, Bob and Charles (Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett) are tasked with poisoning the baby Hercules and making him human, however the unfortunate fools only partly succeed. Becoming half-human and half-god, Hercules grows up in Ancient Greece wielding inhuman strength that sees him shunned from society.

After finding out his true identity as the son of gods, a grown-up Hercules, played by Luke Brady, sets out on his quest to prove himself, performing hit single Go The Distance faultlessly as he journeys through Greece to seek out Phil (Trevor Dion Nicholas), a retired trainer to other heroes of Greek mythology, to guide him and train him.

Phil eventually agrees to help, leading to an entertaining musical montage of combat lessons followed by a chance meeting with Meg, played by Mae Ann Jorolan, who Hercules is immediately smitten by.

The cynical young woman resents Hercules’ attempts to be her hero and Mae Ann Jorolan fires a series of subtle, yet funny jibes at the young hero as he tries to help. Jokes about society and relationships are scattered throughout the show, and will land well with adults in the audience.

Enslaved by Hades, Meg uses the discovery that Hercules is alive to gain her freedom. Puppetry and intricate costumes are used to create giant mythological beasts, including the many-headed Hydra. The costumes are detailed, creative and brilliant, and offer a colourful element to an already entertaining stage show.

In an epic battle between the gods, further puppetry is used to present the overwhelming power Hades holds. Conducted by Michael Kosarin, the scale of the battle is also heightened by the orchestra, with aggressive beats and powerful symphonies that seem somewhat appropriate in such a historic theatre.

The audience were audibly engaged and moved by the love story between Hercules and Meg, despite her earlier resentment of love and a refusal to be a damsel in distress. 

The closing number is feel-good and saw the audience on their feet, which was followed by a standing ovation, with some particularly excited audience members unable to stop themselves dancing to the beat. 

Overall, Hercules is a fun, funny and high-energy show which all ages can enjoy. All of the cast were clearly having a great time performing this adaptation of a classic Disney story together on stage which made the performance even more enjoyable for the audience. I didn’t have any real expectations and walked away having had a fantastic evening at the theatre.