Disney's Hercules Musical Opens West End to Mixed Reviews

The new West End stage adaptation of Disney's 1997 film Hercules, featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, has garnered mixed reviews. Luke Brady stars as Hercules, delivering a charismatic and vocally strong performance, while the five Muses provide energetic and captivating musical moments that enliven the production. The show follows the original film's storyline closely but has been critiqued for lacking the satirical edge and imaginative energy that made the animated version distinctive, with some critics describing the staging and effects as underwhelming or reminiscent of a low-budget Vegas show. Stephen Carlile’s portrayal of Hades is campy and entertaining but sometimes fails to invoke the menace of the original character. Despite some shortcomings in set design, choreography, and new musical numbers, the production has achieved commercial success with sold-out previews and an extended run. Fans of the original film may appreciate the familiar songs and nostalgic elements, though the stage version does not fully capture the sharp wit or visual flair of the beloved classic.