Hadestown | Lyric Theatre

From the moment you step into the world of Hadestown, there’s a sense that you’re about to experience something special; but this new West End cast elevates it into something truly unforgettable.

For those new to the story, Hadestown weaves together two ancient Greek myths into a hauntingly beautiful journey. At its heart is a young dreamer, Orpheus, whose music has the power to change the world, and Eurydice, a woman searching for stability in an uncertain life. Their love story unfolds alongside that of Hades and Persephone, rulers of the underworld and the seasons, whose relationship mirrors the tension between hope and despair.

Without giving anything away, it’s a tale about love, sacrifice, and whether faith can survive in the face of doubt; all underscored by a rich, jazz-infused score. What makes this production soar is not just the material by Anaïs Mitchell (which is already exceptional) but the extraordinary company bringing it to life.

Clive Rowe as Hermes is, quite simply, perfectly cast. His narration is delivered with effortless precision and charisma, guiding the audience through the story with warmth, clarity, and impeccable timing. There’s a natural authority to his performance, paired with a playful charm that makes every moment feel alive and immediate. He doesn’t just tell the story, he owns it.

Marley Fenton’s Orpheus is nothing short of extraordinary. His voice is breathtaking, clear, expressive, and emotionally resonant, but it’s his characterisation that truly stands out. He brings a lightness and humour to the role, a cheeky optimism that makes Orpheus deeply endearing, while never losing sight of the character’s vulnerability. There’s a genuine warmth to his performance that draws you in completely, making every emotional beat land with real impact.

As Eurydice, Bethany Antonia delivers a performance that cuts straight to the heart. There’s a raw emotional honesty in her portrayal, capturing Eurydice’s innocence and inner conflict with striking authenticity. You feel every decision and every hesitation that she makes so that the character’s journey profoundly human and deeply moving.

Rachel Adedeji is a standout as Persephone, commanding the stage with a voice that is effortlessly smooth and richly textured. Her performance radiates confidence and flair, full of wit and bold personality, yet she also reveals a more delicate, introspective side beneath the surface. It’s a beautifully layered portrayal that adds real depth to the character.

As Hades, Alastair Parker strikes a compelling balance between authority and nuance. His performance carries weight and intensity, but he skilfully threads in moments of dry humour and unexpected vulnerability. At times, he even invites sympathy for a character who could easily feel distant or unyielding. An impressive and thoughtful interpretation.

The Fates, Melanie Bright, Spike Maxwell, and Lauran Rae, are phenomenal. Their harmonies are razor-sharp, blending seamlessly while still allowing each performer’s unique presence to shine through. Together, they create an eerie, captivating force that hovers over the story, guiding and unsettling in equal measure.

And the ensemble deserves just as much praise. Every movement, every vocal line, every moment of staging is executed with precision and energy. They don’t just support the principals—they build the world of Hadestown, creating a constantly shifting landscape that feels alive and immersive.

Beyond the performances, the production itself remains as striking as ever. The staging is fluid and inventive, the lighting atmospheric, and the music is as powerful and evocative as ever. There’s a timeless quality to the show, but this cast injects it with a fresh sense of urgency and emotion.

This isn’t just a strong cast, it’s a perfectly balanced one, where every performer brings something distinct yet works in complete harmony with the rest. The result is a production that feels cohesive, electric, and deeply affecting from start to finish.

Quite simply, this Hadestown doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you feel every note of it. A rich, soul-stirring revival where myth meets music, and every performer leaves their mark.

Hadestown is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre and is booking up until 13th December - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review |

photography by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg