Greek mythology has always been a popular topic for adaptations. It has everything you could want in a good story - vengeful gods, epic battles, star-crossed lovers, and heroes you can’t help but cheer for. Both Hadestown and Hercules are popular stage adaptations of Greek myths that have taken London by storm. But which one should you go watch?
Hadestown and Disney's Hercules production images.
What is Hadestown about?
Anais Mitchell’s Hadestown relocates the Greek myth of Orpheus and Euridyce to a dystopian setting reminiscent of mid-20th century America, where the seasons are out of joint thanks to a clash between Hades and Persephone. As the messenger god Hermes narrates, Orpheus and Euridyce meet and fall in love at a tavern. Orpheus dreams of writing a song to bring back springtime, but practical Euridyce is more worried about how they’ll survive the winter. When Hades appears to make her an offer she can’t refuse, Euridyce is dragged into the depths of the Underworld, and Orpheus, armed only with a song and his love, sets off on a dangerous journey to rescue her, going all the way down to Hadestown.
Where is Hadestown performed?
Hadestown is performed at the Lyric Theatre, situated on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of theatreland. You can access the theatre by the underground, with Piccadilly Circus a 3-minute walk and Leicester Square also within walking distance. There are bus routes available, including night bus options. You can also use Q-Park Theatreland, situated near Chinatown or Newport Place for convenient parking options. Evening performances of Hadestown take place from Tuesday to Saturday. There are matinee performances on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The cast of Hadestown
Why do people love Hadestown?
Audiences fell in love with the unique story of Hadestown, which combines myth with modernity and explores themes of hope, love, and storytelling. Hermes warns the audience at the start that it’s a sad song (but they’ll continue to play it over and over again), and it’s a sure bet that you’ll be in tears by the end of the play. A wildly talented cast brings to life the eclectic, colourful characters, including mischievous Hermes, the doomed lovers Orpheus and Euridyce, party girl Persephone, and the formidable Hades. As Hermes predicts, you’ll be singing the musical’s songs over and over, from the catchy ‘Way Down Hadestown’ to the swoon-worthy ‘Marriage Song’ to the heart-rending ‘Wait For Me’.
What is Hercules about?
Based on the 1997 Disney animated film, Hercules puts a new spin on the story of Hercules - epic hero, demigod son of Zeus, and one of the most famous figures of Classical mythology. Born to Zeus and Hera, rulers of the gods of Olympus, Hercules is stolen from his cradle as a baby by his scheming uncle Hades and dropped on earth, where mortals raise him. Learning of his destiny as an adult, Hercules sets off on a quest to become a true hero worthy of his legacy, training under the cantankerous satyr Philoctetes and falling in love with the mysterious Megara. Meanwhile, Hades plots to overthrow Olympus by releasing the deadly Titans from their prison, and Hercules is the only one who can stop him.
Where is Hercules performed?
Hercules is performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of the West End’s largest theatres. Located on Catherine Street, the theatre is a stone throw from Covent Garden and has good travel links. The nearest underground stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines). Many bus routes operate in the area and the nearest car park is Intelli-Park car park just up Drury Lane. Disney’s Hercules plays evening performances from Monday - Saturday and has two matinee performances within the week, on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Disney's Hercules production image.
Why do people love Hercules?
If you watched the Disney film as a child, this musical will hold a lot of nostalgic value for you. But even if you didn’t, the family-friendly production, with its inspiring hero’s journey and themes of courage and what it means to be a hero, is sure to bring out your inner child. The show is full of memorable characters, with a delightfully wicked villain in Hades, plenty of comedic relief to be found in Phil, and a heartwarming love story between plucky hero Hercules and the more cynical and sassy Meg. The musical is packed with beloved songs from the film, such as the Muses’ zippy ‘Zero to Hero’, Hercules’s inspiring ‘Go the Distance’, and the ever-catchy love song, ‘I Won’t Say (I’m in Love’).
What are the key differences between Hadestown and Hercules?
Hadestown is an adaptation of the myth of Orpheus and Euridyce, while Hercules retells the story of Hercules. Both play fast and loose with the original myths - Hadestown relocates the story to a pseudo-modern dystopian setting, and weaves in elements of the myth of Hades and Persephone. Hercules is based on the Disney film of the same name, which offers a more family friendly retelling of the story of Hercules, incorporating elements of the Labours of Hercules while inventing an original story with the familiar characters.
Hadestown is a darker, tragic, and emotionally complex story which may be more appropriate for adults with its themes of death, capitalism, and oppression. Hercules is firmly a family-friendly musical, with colourful characters, a straightforward story, and themes of courage and determination that children can enjoy and appreciate.
Hadestown features a score with original songs, while Hercules features the songs from the Disney film, along with some new ones written especially for the stage show. Both have soundtracks filled with memorable, epic musical numbers and colourful ensemble routines.
Which one should you go see?
If you want something dark, tragic, and a bit twisted, go see Hadestown. You’ll fall in love with its beautifully complex and eccentric characters, be swept away by the heartbreaking love story, and immediately become obsessed with the eclectic range of songs.
If you’re looking for something lighter and more family-friendly, check out Hercules. The story is straightforward and inspiring, full of comedy and romance, with action sequences that will get you pumped. Bonus points if you loved the Disney film as a child - you’ll get to hear all your favourite songs once more, and it’s a great chance to introduce your kids to the story.
If you need more help deciding on what shows to see in London, we have our carefully curated ‘Best New Shows in London’ to help you decide!
