This latest Disney show to head to the West End stage is plenty of fun but just lacking a little bit of Disney sparkle.
Bright & bold with heaps of fun thrown in, Casey Nicholaw’s production of this classic Disney animated film is definitely zippy in a way that will keep families attending thoroughly entertained – but it does feel a bit cartoonish in places.
Following the story of Hercules who wants to make it to his real home on Olympus having being brought up on the mortal earth but he faces challenges along the way including having to come up against the villainous Hades in order to do so. It is a story of monsters and adventures that includes some fantastic puppetry that will amaze younger audience members.
While of course the story doesn’t strictly follow the story that is familiar to most fans of Greek mythology it does have a playful charm that runs right through it thanks to Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah’s book that is light and breezy throughout, highlighting the journey of self-discovery that Hercules goes on. However, it doesn’t feel as though enough thought has gone into the character development that can mean that it is difficult to emotionally connect to everything that is happening – resulting in the feeling that it is a bit lacking in the Disney sparkle that came across so well in the stage adaptation of Frozen.
This being said, Casey Nicholaw’s production really highlights the adventures that Hercules goes on, with some fabulous puppet designs (credit to the original designs by James Ortiz & additional puppet contributions from Dane Laffrey) that build to a wonderful climax in the first act (it might even be just ever so slightly scary for younger audience members). I also loved the mosaic style of George Reeve and Dane Lafrey’s video design that help to bring Ancient Greece to life.
Elsewhere, the costume design by Gregg Barnes and Sky Swister show a beautiful attention to detail really evoking the Ancient Greece vibes. Nicholaw’s choreography, particularly for the Muses, is filled with sass and intent that ensures the audience is thrilled and enthralled. It is truly a lively experience from start to finish, there is a slightly goofiness to certain moments (the scene in the marketplace in which Hercules is avoided by many people because of his strength leading to trouble springs to mind).
There is no doubting there is plenty of entertainment value here, but I couldn’t help but want a little more depth and feeling to shine through at the same time.
The performances from the cast all have something different to offer and complement each other nicely. At the centre of it all, Luke Brady as Hercules himself has a wonderful understated charm to his performance that showcases the character’s uncertainty well but to then see the way in which Hercule’s blossom and realise the things that are most important is lovely to witness – but I do feel that the character was slightly underwritten.
Elsewhere, Mae Ann Jorolan as Meg is wonderful from start to finish – bringing the sass and cynicism to the character beautifully and to see how she softens is done with great care – her rendition of ‘I won’t (Say I’m in Love) is strong and defiant – a real highlight. Trevor Dion Nicholas is a wonderfully reassuring presence as Phil, offering plenty of light moments, while Stephen Carlile as Hades is wonderfully flamboyant and is extremely convincing as the villain of the piece. It would have been just wonderful for all the characters to have a bit more depth overall (not the fault of the cast at all).
Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore) aka The Muses bring their wonderful storytelling abilities to narrate the story in a lively and entertaining way.
Overall, there is plenty to entertain in Hercules, but it just feels as though it lacking a little Disney magic for this stage production – which may very well develop as the show settles into its run.
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets for Hercules click here.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️