The Gods Must Be Singing! For years, Disney fans have been begging for the studio’s beloved modern animated classics to make the leap to the stage. After the success of The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen, there’s been a lingering question: where’s Hercules? Now, after several trial productions and rewrites, Hercules: The Musical has officially flexed its way onto London’s West End. And word is, it’s ungodly good.
The Myth is Real
Currently playing at the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Hercules opened this month and has been extended through March 2026, giving UK theatergoers and visiting Disney fans plenty of time to catch this epic blend of ancient myth and late-‘90s nostalgia.
Based on the 1997 animated film from Disney legends Ron Clements and John Musker, the musical follows Hercules, the awkward but well-meaning demigod, as he battles monsters, outwits Hades, and discovers what it truly means to be a hero. The story remains as heartfelt as ever, with gospel-tinged narration from the Muses and the unforgettable score by Alan Menken and David Zippel.
An Updated Production
This new production, directed and choreographed by Broadway heavyweight Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin), with co-choreography by Tanisha Scott, features a completely reimagined book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah. The result is a high-energy spectacle with fresh comedic beats and a deeper emotional core, all while keeping the toe-tapping hits like “Zero to Hero” and “Go the Distance.”
Luke Brady stars as Hercules, with Mae Ann Jorolan as the wisecracking Meg. Trevor Dion Nicholas brings a big-hearted energy to Phil, while Stephen Carlile smolders in blue flames as Hades. And of course, no Hercules would be complete without the Muses (Candace Furbert, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, Malinda Parris, and Robyn Rose-Li) bringing down the house in every scene they grace.
If you’ve been waiting for Disney’s Broadway magic to lift another animated classic into the spotlight, this might be it. If you’ve seen the new musical, let us know if Hercules has finally taken its place among the musical gods.