On the 11th April, the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue performed a showing of ‘Hadestown’, a critically acclaimed musical that has just arrived on the West End from Broadway in the United States. The musical is a retelling of the Greek mythology of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone and their two love stories - one tragic, one hopeful. How the musical spins these emotive stories is fascinating and enthralling and it is not a musical to be missed. 

 

The inventiveness of ‘Hadestown’ can be seen through its set, which combines a speakeasy bar aesthetic with jazz and folk music to give an incredibly fun but also moving retelling of the famous Greek myths. Along with the set is the lighting, which further helps to create an exciting atmosphere, especially in numbers like ‘Wait for Me’. The revolving stage itself is also impressive, as it spins and actors use it almost like a treadmill, giving more texture to the show. Not only is the stagecraft of ‘Hadestown’ effective, but the performances are also worth mentioning. 

 

The story is narrated by the Greek God Hermes, and this character’s actor was stellar, with their booming voice allowing the audience to feel every emotion. Their brilliant silver costume was also very eye-catching. Hermes introduces all of the characters, such as Persephone, the Goddess of spring, and Hermes, the king of the underworld, and the musical explores their rocky relationship. However, the crux of the story is the relationship between Orpheus, a musician whose song can bring back spring, and Eurydice, a young girl struggling to survive in the long winter the musical begins in. The performances of all of these characters were amazing. 

 

Therefore, due to its undeniable entertainment and how it's brimming with talent, ‘Hadestown’ is definitely a show to watch.