Last night, I went to see the new Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, my first West End show in many, many years. Seeing this musical was such an experience, and reminded me of why I want to live and enjoy life and be who I want..I actually nearly cried at the song Go The Distance! It was also a stark reminder of how ill I am and how bad my health is..needing so much support to get about, manage the train…. The trip was well worth it, because not only did I get to see such an awesome musical, but I also had a bit of a realisation of quite how bad a state my health is in, and how much harder I need to work to get myself better.
I think it was even more impactful because I was with my sister, someone who I admire so much, but who I also feel very ashamed around, when it comes to my condition. I want to be a better sister for her, and that again made this trip all the more important.
Anyway…I think it’s time for my review:
“HERCULES. HOW DO I BEGIN? WHAT an incredible musical! Maybe I’m biased because I’m a huge fan of the films and the songs from the film, but then again, I would actually rate this musical higher than the film itself! It’s sassy, makes a joke out of itself in the best way, and is jam packed with amazing songs and really spectacular dances!
It’s fairly true to the original storyline, though with a few twists, and they really emphasise some of the films moral messages, like not needing a man, finding your path in life, not giving up, community and being accepting of others, the power of love..you start off with Hercules being born and are introduced to all the main characters, then move to his difficult time growing up and trying to fit in, before Hades, Meg, Phil and the two ridiculous henchmen, Bob and Charles, get involved, which is where most of the drama and hilarity ensues! I think that was the best part of this musical for me: the humour! The show constantly took the mick out of itself and made witty and sarcastic comments, and I think this worked particularly well because it is a very ‘fantasy’ type story, which can be hard to relate to and feel immersed in, so the modern, comedic take on it was really clever and just made it a really unique experience.
Personally, I also really loved the gaudy, dazzling, energy of it all too, but I think like the humour, this could be controversial. It IS very 90s, unashamedly fun, a bit silly, and throw-everything in..all tied together by the amazing narration of the Muses!
Some of my favourite bits:
- The costumes were just stunning, and there were so many costume changes and different themes!
- The range of music styles and dances, including a very modern cheerleading routine and unexpected (and genuinely stunning) tap routine
- The use of special effects, including projections, which I didn’t even initially realise were projections
- ALL the songs, which blended seamlessly into the story
- The choreography!!!
- The song in which Hercules falls in love with Meg and Meg shrugs off men is particularly funny, with Hercules song parts blocking out Megs lectures, much like when men don’t listen!!
- ALL THE FEMINIST JOKES AND SUBTLE PRODS AT SOCIETY
- EVERYTHING WITH THE MUSES
(My only criticism, and I guess it’s only a half criticism really, is I feel like some cast carried the others? Some of the cast were just so, so, so brilliant, and kind of outshone a few who didn’t really seem to stand out in their roles? I was wowed by Meg, all of the Muses, Hades, Bob, Charles and Phil, and thought Hercules was also fairly strong, but Zeus and Hera, in my opinion, were a little lacking).
Regardless, I think this is one of the best musicals I’ve seen and would certainly recommend anyone to go see it!! If you’re a traditionalist it might not be your cup of tea, but I personally don’t see how anyone could fail to appreciate the clever production and entertaining performances!
9/10!!!”