Hadestown is a musical which was first performed in Vermont, America in 2006, created by Anais Mitchell, but has since become a touring show across Europe and North America.
It is currently running in London at the Lyric Theatre.
The theatre uses a rotating stage to add to the feel of the journey faced by the protagonists, and with the band onstage the production becomes an immersive experience for the audience.
As it is based on the merging of two greek myths, Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, adding in elements of greek theatre such as the chorus and muses as characters to draw to its origins of the plot.
The musical follows Eurydice, a young, starving girl who has fallen in love with Orpheus but subsequently been enticed to the Underworld with the promise of food and shelter, whilst her lover Orpheus, who has a talent with the lyre, uses his musical talent to beg for Eurydice’s release when he realises she has gone.
Simultaneously, we follow the story of Persephone and Hades as they manage the Underworld and remember their love for each other through Orpheus’ music.
With a total of 32 songs, the musical powerfully brings the two myths to life while adding a modern industrial take with the setting and costumes.
The current version of Hadestown opened at the Lyric theatre in February 2024 and has since had cast changes.
Hades, as played by Trevor Dion Nicholas, is a powerful presence on the stage and perfectly characterises the overpowering nature of the Lord of the Underworld.
Overall, it is a tale of love and loss, being a Greek Tragedy, with something for everyone through its range of high-energy music, dance, and originality among the West End.
Hadestown is running at the Lyric theatre currently until 28th September 2025 and is a must-see for any theatre or classics lovers.
