Movies

Hercules makes odd changes to the Disney classic – but the Muses are electrifying

BBG News

The timeless story of Hercules has made its grand entrance in London, aiming to outdo others as the newest Disney animated masterpiece brought to life on stage. Notably, Alan Menken and David Zippel have reunited to compose fresh tunes for this epic saga.

However, it doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of greatness, but neither is it insignificant. To put it simply, the musical “Hercules” offers a variety of experiences, some good and some not so good.

The production may leave viewers equally enthralled or puzzled due to certain unconventional decisions during its adaptation. However, whenever the Muses appear, their captivating voices will hold your attention so strongly that any criticisms might be momentarily forgotten.

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In this adaptation, the tale remains quite similar to the Disney film with minor alterations that might displease some enthusiasts. Regrettably, Pegasus does not make an appearance in this telling, and only a sculpture of the majestic flying horse is presented during the ‘I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)’ scene as a substitute.

In the underworld, instead of Pain and Panic, we find newcomers named Bob and Charles. While this switch is peculiar, they fulfill similar roles. However, unlike in the past, you won’t encounter any Fates or Titans here.

Despite other puppetry available to animate the Hydra and other creatures for Hercules to fight, it’s unfortunate that the musical didn’t strive to be more like the movie in its depiction. The finale, specifically, lacks due to this inconsistency, as the visual spectacle of the Hydra battle that concludes Act I in the movie is far more impressive than the way the musical reimagines the Titans battle.

Fortunately, the musical wisely decided against tampering with the Muses and instead amplified their presence. The adaptation of ‘The Gospel Truth’ into six parts has significantly elevated the Muses in the musical, making them more prominent than they were in the film. To some extent, we can almost excuse the choice to transform ‘Zero to Hero’ into a group number.

At the show we went to, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, Robyn Rose-Li, Kamilla Fernandes, and Kimmy Edwards as The Muses – simply put, they set the stage ablaze whenever they appear. With voices of great power and charisma that radiates like a beacon, they are undoubtedly the most captivating element in Hercules. In fact, their presence alone makes it worthwhile to watch the entire production.

It’s even more amazing since the main co-stars are powerful individually. Luke Brady skillfully combines charm and innocence to make Hercules captivating, while Mae Ann Jorolan shines as Meg and her performance of ‘I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)’ stands out among all other Muses’ performances.

Trevor Dion Nicholas expands his collection of charming Disney sidekicks by playing Phil, after portraying the Genie in Aladdin. Meanwhile, Stephen Carlile delivers an entertainingly villainous Hades. These performances are more flamboyant and larger-than-life compared to their film counterparts, but they suit a musical production designed for families.

As a gamer putting on my musical critic hat, I’ve got to say that while the Muses were captivating, the recent production didn’t quite give our gifted performers enough material to truly shine. The fresh duet between Hercules and Meg, titled ‘Forget About It’, was light-hearted fun, and their ballad ‘To Be Human’ added a touch of emotion to the climax, but sadly, many of the other new tunes fell flat for me. Despite having ample stage time, they just didn’t stick in my memory as I’d hoped.

The stage design is visually striking, featuring dynamic columns and groundbreaking visuals, like their portrayal of the underworld’s whirlpool (a representation of the River Styx in the musical). However, you might find yourself yearning for more depth to complement the style. Specifically, the second act is quite brief, lasting roughly 40 minutes including the final bow, and can seem rushed.

In the realm of Disney’s stage productions, Hercules shares a closer resemblance with Aladdin rather than The Lion King. While it offers an engaging musical experience, bolstered by the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly the Muses, it is not a show that most people would consider a must-see multiple times.

How to buy Hercules tickets

I’m thrilled to share that you can catch the captivating story of Hercules live at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, all the way up until March 26, 2026! The performances take place every weekday at 7:30 pm and on Saturdays, with an additional matinee showings on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30 pm.

Ticket prices begin at £29.50 and can be purchased right now through various platforms such as ATG Tickets, TodayTix, LoveTheatre, and London Theatre Direct.

Additionally, you have the option to purchase tickets from Red Letter Days or Buyagift. These tickets are categorized into four price ranges based on seating preference: Standard at £75, Silver for £119.99, Gold for £159.99, and Platinum priced at £179.99.

As a gamer, here’s how I might rephrase it in a friendly, first-person style:

“Hey there! When you’re choosing your ticket tier, Standard gives you options for different dates. If you prefer weekdays and want a bit more comfort, Silver’s your pick. But if you’ve got flexibility with both weekdays and weekends, Gold’s a great choice. And if you’re all about the best seats across every performance, Platinum is the way to go!

Hercules is running at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London until 28 March 2026.

The first printed magazine from Digital Spy has arrived! You can grab a copy of “British Comedy Legends” at your local newsstand or online for only £3.99 right now!

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2025-06-25 09:20

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