The Guardian
"Spectacular, hilarious and overflowing with heart - a genuine crowd-pleaser."
Disney’s Hercules brings one of the studio’s most joyful animated films to the stage of the magnificent Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Featuring the Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning songs of Alan Menken and David Zippel, including the anthemic ‘Go the Distance’ and ‘Zero to Hero’, it is a big-hearted, gospel-powered retelling of a Greek myth, playing a strictly limited final season.
The story follows the young Hercules, son of the gods but raised on Earth, as he sets out to prove himself a true hero and win back his place on Mount Olympus. Standing in his way is Hades, the scheming lord of the Underworld, while a sharp-tongued, world-weary woman named Meg turns out to be his greatest test of all. It is a tale of belonging, self-belief and love, told with plenty of wit and a soaring score.
Why it’s worth the watch
Hercules is Disney doing what it does best on the biggest stage in the West End. Here is why it is a hit with families:
- The score. Alan Menken’s film songs are joined by new numbers, all delivered by a quintet of show-stopping Muses who narrate the story in full gospel force.
- The spectacle. Drury Lane’s vast stage gives the gods, monsters and Mount Olympus room to come to life.
- The humour. It keeps the film’s knowing, wise-cracking comedy, so grown-ups laugh as much as the children.
- The heart. Beneath the spectacle it is a warm story about finding where you belong.
