Christiana Rose on a muse-ical triumph

The stage at Theatre Royal Drury Lane featuring the curtain for Hercules — (Credit – Christiana Rose)

‘Muse Flash’ London’s theatrical Olympus has a new Greco-Roman champion, and his name is Hercules. Bursting onto the stage, this dazzling production is nothing short of a muse-ical triumph. From the moment the fantastic five muses strike their first note, the audience is swept into a world of gods, monsters, and unapologetic joy.

Blending the humour and heart of the original Disney film with bold new staging and electrifying choreography, Hercules manages to feel both nostalgic and utterly fresh. The music powered by Alan Menken’s iconic score and some new, Broadway-calibre additions brim with soul, wit, and spectacle.

Go the Distance soars with emotional resonance, I may have a shed a tear of joy, while Zero to Hero is a show-stopping masterclass in movement, unity and harmony.

The cast is exceptional across the board. Luke Brady winningly plays Hercules with a perfect mix of charm and vulnerability, Mae Anne Jorolan as Meg however steals most scenes with a razor-sharp wit and sublime vocals. The Muses are the ultimate stars of the show, clad in many showstopping outfits of celestial glamour.

They serve as a Greek chorus with true gospel strength, narrating and elevating the story with every note and step. Tribute must be given to the five divine divas: Malinda Parriscas as Calliope the Muse of Epic Poetry, Candace Furnert as Thalia the Muse of Comedy, Brianna Ogunbawo as Melpomene the Muse of Tragedy, Robyn Rose-Li as Terpsichore the Muse of Lyric Poetry and Dance and Sharlene Hector as Clio the Muse of History. Each diva brings power and strength to the tale, whilst creating unity.

The choreography is a major highlight, incorporating a stand out sequence with authentic Greek and Cypriot line-dancing in the form of a Syrtos at the beginning of Act 2. Also notable is an exquisite chorus tap dance number, enhanced by a comedic slap-stick style, led by the gloriously watchable Stephen Carlile playing the unhinged and cunning Hades. Trevor Dion Nicholas brings excellent energy to the role of Phil, not a Satyr, but a human trainer of heroes, which works very well.

The production design is breathtaking. A clever market scene unfolds to reinvent the scene where Hercules’ strength causes breakage and chaos with statues and clay pots collapsing.

Mythology meets modernity in a striking fusion of set pieces, lighting, and projections that conjure everything from Mount Olympus to the underworld with cinematic flair. Directors and designers have struck gold, balancing a comedic script with emotional depth and themes of growth, belonging and acceptance.

Beneath the heroics and humour lies a powerful message about self-worth, sacrifice, and the meaning of true strength. A feel-good spectacle, with huge energy from a committed cast. It is funny, fabulous, and full of theatrical magic. Disney’s Hercules is a five-star knockout.

5 stars

Disney’s ‘Hercules’ runs at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 24 June until 28 March 2026.

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