Hadestown, Lyric Theatre Review starring Nathan Sykes
As our Lady of the Underground returns to her subterranean husband, Hadestown breathes new life into this astounding musical with a brand-new cast this September. Focusing on the tragic love of Orpheus and Eurydice, this musical unfurls the classic myth alongside socio-political commentary, as beautifully as the carnation Orpheus’ song summons. Even after three years in the West End, this production remains fresh and captivating. This is in part due to allowing the cast to retain their own original accents, thereby creating a wonderfully rich tapestry of voices which both reflect the mythical world we step down into and the fabulous mix of nationalities and characters within London itself.
Orpheus and Eurydice, the infamous lovers separated by death, are portrayed this time by Nathan Sykes and Fayth Ifil. In his theatre debut, Sykes showcases well the journey from an awkward and naïve bard into a resourceful and grieving man who follows his heart with grit and determination. As the character goes from the world above to Hadestown, we see his voice increase in depth and power, vividly mirroring the emotional crucible he undergoes. Fayth Ifil is a fragile and delicate Eurydice who also has intense emotional depth and vivacity. Her gentle singing is a perfect foil to Orpheus’s awkwardness, and her increasing confidence throughout was magnetic to watch.
The Godly couple Hades and Persephone are portrayed by Shaun Dooley and Danielle de Niese. Shaun Dooley is impressively gravelly and intense as the King of Hadestown. His deep voice and menacing aura work well to showcase the strength and power of this God, yet the later cracks in the character’s emotional armour are nuanced and heart-wrenching to see. Danielle de Niese is a phenomenal and beautifully nuanced interpretation of Persephone. She revels in mischief and mirth in the opening numbers but also shows immense empathy and hurt in their argument “How Long”. Her operatic background is also clear in her powerful ringing notes and fantastic charisma on stage.
God of thieves, tricksters, travellers and psychopomp Hermes is played by Malinda Paris. As befits the God of trickery, this character is often the most mercurial and individual in each cast of Hadestown, spanning genders, approaches and weariness in the story. Malinda Paris brings much joyful mischievousness to the role, actively revelling in her role as narrator in this old tale, clearly striving to change the end and still hoping for a happily ever after even after all this time. Her charisma and phenomenal singing work well to support and lead the show in a wonderful crescendo of haunting harmonies.
The Working Gang Chorus are still the undisputed champions of ensemble singing in the West End. We see fresh faces in “the hardest working chorus in God’s almighty world”. Femi Akinfolarin, Michelle Andrews, Gabriela Benedetti, Ollie Bingham and Sebastian Lim- Seet worked seamlessly together to create beautiful harmonies and showcase captivating choreography.
The trio of Fates played by Melanie Bright, Spike Maxwell and Lauren Rae are spellbinding in their precise and vivid vocal harmonies. Each time they sing, their characters gleefully ratchet up the tension and effortlessly command both the audience and characters’ attention. Although Rachel Hauck’s set remains the same stunning staging, this show has fine-tuned David Neumann’s choreography to make it feel fresh and even more captivating than before.
Anaïs Mitchell’s lyrics continue to awe, inspire and despair as they capture the full spectrum of human emotion in such a vivid way that few shows can compare. This is one of the most exceptional musicals in the West End currently, with a phenomenal set, brilliant storyline and an absolutely captivating new cast. It might be hard times in the world of Gods and Men, but Hadestown will ensure you leave your cares behind for the next few hours and find some peace in an old tale. Although we know the inevitable tragedy, we will still go again and again in hopes of a better world, which can be found at the end, if not in the theatre, then in our own lives. If you enjoy Greek myths, stunning shows and a wonderful night out, then this is the show for you.
Hadestown continues performances at the Lyric Theatre through to December 2027.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic, September 2026.
