This matinee performance of Hercules was full to the brim, with the chatter of animated children and popcorn-feasting families, taking shelter from the summer sun. The excitement was palpable and audible – deafening cheers echoed around the auditorium, as the curtain went up to reveal Mount Olympus: opulent, larger than life, with crackling lighting and effective projection to accompany the spectacle.
Disney’s Hercules is based on the animated film stemming from the Greek myth. As a baby, Hercules, (the son of Zeus), is transformed into a mortal by Zeus’s nefarious brother, Hades, who desires to reclaim his place among the gods on Mount Olympus. For Hercules to enter his true home, in Mount Olympus, he must prove himself like no other god before him.
Hercules, (played by the amiable and vocally talented Bradley Gibson) trains with the satyr Phil (portrayed by the accomplished Emile Ruddock) for the many harrowing trials ahead. On his journey he falls in love with the fiercely independent and jaded Meg, (performed by the dynamic Mae Ann Jorolan) Meg has been banished to the underworld because of a love pact. Hercules has to battle horrific monsters and his own increasing fame in his search for acceptance and belonging.
Hercules is a highly camp and high energy show, paying great homage to the animated film, that families around the globe adore. The production is a mixed bag of comedy, dance, puppetry, three hit songs and Greek myth brought into a contemporary setting.
What the show does well, is to bring the audience with it. I observed the engaged and invested energy of the children present and the performers playing off this electricity. The five Fates exemplify this energy acting as storytellers for the audience. They are part Dreamgirls and part Destiny’s Child – their impressive vocal gymnastics always presented with a touch of sass.
Shout out to Stephen Carlile, whose portrayal of Hades is one of the highlights of this production – he has impeccable comic timing and just the right measure of hysteria!
The set and lighting by Dane Laffrey and Jeff Croiter deserve a mention as both elements are slick, coherent and serve the musical well – bringing the locations in the production into 4D – from the bustling marketplace to Hera’s and Zeus’s magical temple, to the Hydra’s cavernous hideout through to the romantic gardens where Meg and Hercules fall for each other.
Other honourable mentions go to Craig Gallivan and Matt Overfield, Hades’ henchmen – Bob and Charles. Their wacky, physical, and heightened performances and vaudeville-like singing voices are admirable.
Standout scenes which mirror the euphoria and vitality of the animated musical are: Zero to Hero, I Won’t Say (I’m in Love), and Great Bolts of Thunder. These musical numbers have the drive and intensity which makes you want to stand up and join in with the explosive singing and dancing. Go the Distance is sung very well and with the right emotional beats; however, the staging and blocking in the scene is clunky and detracts from the central message.
This is where the production begins to leave me questioning certain aspects of Hercules. The sound doesn’t travel to the auditorium and seems to stop at the stage; it doesn’t feel round or present – making it hard to hear plot points and certain important lyrics.
At times the ensemble meanders around the stage aimlessly with little sense of intention or character development. While a lot of the costumes – especially the ones worn by the Fates – are striking, some characters’ wigs and beards are not up to par. The choreography suffers from overuse and repetitive vocabulary.
The fight choreography is often not performed with vigour and realism e.g. the huge fight scene with the Hydra needed more dynamism and specificity. I understand the challenges and the energy needed to perform eight shows a week and the toll this puts on the leads and ensemble members. They are all working hard, but the execution is not always consistent.
Despite these constructive criticisms, the outcome of the production is positive and impactful. Audience members are on their feet whooping and hollering by the curtain call. Hercules is a well-loved Disney musical and holds a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike.
NEED TO KNOW: Disney’s Hercules play until 5 Sep 2026 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane | See listing / book tickets
Related links
