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A gritty and mesmerising retelling of Greek myth

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As Hadestown enters its second year in the West End, a spring turnover in the cast breathes fresh life into this tragic tale of love and fate. The production, which intertwines the doomed love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, continues to captivate with its compelling narrative, inventive staging, and musical brilliance.

Set in a stark industrial underworld reminiscent of Depression-era America, Hadestown offers a gritty reimagining of Hell. Hades presides over his factory domain with the cold authority of a gang boss, adding a fun twist on the fiery pits we typically associate with the underworld. The transition from the lively, above-world bar to this cold, concrete factory floor is one of the most seamless and visually impressive transformations I’ve seen recently in the West End. The way the stage rises and shifts, paired with fantastic use of lighting, draws the audience into a stark steel world where hope is fleeting, and survival is a struggle. The inner stage manager in me wanted to applaud the mechanics of it all.

The new cast takes ownership of these iconic roles with skill and charisma. Cedric Neal’s Hermes was a standout for me — a commanding presence who embodied the defacto narrator and circus leader with effortless charm. His acapella moments were particularly impressive, and he captured the aloof empathy of a god who observes the plight of mortals with fondness but understands that fate is beyond his interference.

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt’s Persephone brought a surprising grit to her role, completely mesmerising with her raw emotional intensity. Her chemistry with Chris Jarman’s Hades was palpable, adding depth to their troubled relationship. Jarman’s Hades, with his sultry and spine-tingling vocals, brought menace to the role, though he occasionally felt a little one-dimensional. This detachment of both Persephone and Hades, however, felt intentional — a reflection of the gods’ separation from the raw, relatable emotions that Orpheus and Eurydice embodied.

Desmonda Cathabel’s Eurydice delivered a performance full of strength and resilience, her inner steel shining through even in her most vulnerable moments. Dylan Wood’s Orpheus, with his impressive vocal range, complemented her beautifully, bringing sincerity and heart to their ill-fated love story. Their performances grounded the narrative, making their tragic journey all the more devastating.

While the trio of Fates (Melanie Bright, Lauran Rae, and Allie Daniel) added a sinister and insidious undertone to the story, they felt more like gossipmongers than the ominous embodiments of destiny they are traditionally portrayed as. There was a sense of inevitability in their presence, but it lacked the gravitas and aloof authority that could have elevated the tension and reinforced the tragic arc. A stronger, more detached portrayal of the Fates would have better underscored the idea that fate is a force beyond human control.

Musically, Hadestown remains a refreshing change for the West End. Anaïs Mitchell’s score blends American songwriting traditions — from indie folk and pop to blues and New Orleans-inspired jazz — creating a rich and varied soundscape that enhances the narrative. The band and chorus, seamlessly integrated into the action and acknowledged by both Hermes and Persephone at the start of both acts, played an essential role in creating the show’s atmosphere. Their talent was undeniable and added a palpable energy to the performance.

While the score may not be the type of music that’s easy to sing along to, it’s the kind you find yourself playing on repeat, letting it linger in the background as you mull over the story’s emotional weight. It’s a testament to the talent of the cast and musicians that the music stays with you long after the final bow.

There’s a reason we keep returning to stories like Hadestown — stories of love, ill fate, and the desperate search for light in the darkest moments. We’re in love with love, with the heartache and devastation that comes from being separated from those we care about. This timeless tale continues to resonate because it taps into our deepest fears and desires, reminding us of the cost of hope and the price of defying fate.

With a cast that balances strength and vulnerability, and a production that blends innovation with emotional depth, Hadestown continues to be a must-see. As it renews itself with a new cast for the summer, this tragic tale remains as captivating and thought-provoking as ever.