Hadestown at Lyric Theatre (2026) Review
Written by Amelia for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own
Hadestown has been captivating audiences since it first arrived in the UK, and this latest West End cast is no exception. Written by Anaïs Mitchell, the show has enjoyed remarkable success across the globe, with the West End production (running since 2024) continuing to go from strength to strength.
One of the production’s greatest assets is its ever-evolving cast, which rotates frequently enough to keep audiences coming back for more. There’s always something compelling about seeing how a new performer brings their own perspective to such well-established roles. Following the treat of last year’s original cast reunion and with a much-anticipated pro-shot on the horizon, the question remains: how does this current company measure up?
Is it true what they say? The new West End Hadestown cast is formidable. Leading the company are Marley Fenton and Bethany Antonia, who make for a truly compelling Orpheus and Eurydice. Fenton, currently on an impressive run within the musical theatre world having previously taken on roles such as Alexander Hamilton and Danny Zuko, delivers a standout performance here. His vocals are exceptional, gliding effortlessly through the score, while bringing a tenderness and vulnerability to Orpheus that is not always found.
Antonia is equally captivating as Eurydice, portraying her as both naive and quietly desperate. Despite coming from a more television-based background, she more than holds her own on stage. Together, the pair blend beautifully, their voices intertwining with remarkable ease, especially considering their relatively short time performing together. Their chemistry is already evident, and it’s exciting to imagine how their performances will continue to grow over the course of the run.
Persephone, the Lady of the Underground, has long been portrayed by a string of powerhouse performers on both Broadway and in the West End, and Rachel Adedeji proves herself a worthy addition to that legacy. She brings a rich sense of complexity to the role, revealing layers in a character that can initially seem deceptively straightforward. Her rendition of “Livin’ It Up On Top” is a clear highlight - effortless, charismatic, and completely show-stealing.
Opposite her, Alastair Parker delivers a commanding Hades, asserting his presence with every line. His performance is both powerful and deeply considered, particularly in his response to “Epic III,” which stands out as one of the most emotional interpretations I’ve seen. Parker uncovers subtle nuances within the text that feel fresh and unexpected, a testament to the depth he brings to this takeover performance.
A true highlight of the show is always Hermes, which is a role brimming with charisma and opportunity, often allowing its performer a degree of creative freedom. Musical theatre veteran Clive Rowe offers a particularly distinctive take here, pairing his interpretation with equally impressive vocals. His energy is infectious, drawing the audience’s focus with ease, and he guides us through the story with unwavering conviction, never once letting the performance falter.
Finally, the Fates, portrayed by Melanie Bright, Spike Maxwell, and Lauren Rae, are utterly seamless in their delivery, their voices blending with striking precision to create a rich, unified sound. Each time they begin a number, there’s an immediate sense of anticipation, and they never fail to captivate. Their movement is just as impressive, making it entirely believable that they effortlessly charm and command the other characters' attention.
The company as a whole is so brilliantly casted. You can tell that they all enjoy being on that stage together, and the ensemble really is the ‘hardest working’ in the game. The choreography from David Neumann shines with this company, each song feeling different and more energetic than the one before, if that’s even possible. The show just comes together so beautifully when everyone is on the same page, and this new cast has got that down to a tea already.
Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre is currently booking until December 13th 2026, so don’t look back, and get booking to see this dazzling new cast.
★★★★★
