If you’re planning a trip to London and wondering whether Disney’s Hercules deserves a place on your itinerary, my answer is yes, especially if you’re a Disney fan or enjoy a fun, feel-good West End musical.
I saw Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in September 2025 with my mum. Watching musicals together has become one of our traditions whenever we visit each other, making this outing even more special. As someone who has loved Disney’s Hercules since childhood, I was curious to see how the animated classic would translate to the stage.
I’m happy to say that it captures the heart, humour and music of the original while adding the energy that only live theatre can offer. It may not be a musical I’d rush back to see a second time, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would happily recommend it to anyone visiting London.
If you want to see it for yourself, don’t leave it too long: Disney’s Hercules plays its final West End performance on 5 September 2026.
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Quick Facts
- Show: Disney’s Hercules
- Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
- Visited: September 2025
- Running time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
- Recommended for: Disney fans, families, couples, tourists, first-time theatre visitors and musical lovers
- My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Check the latest availability and ticket prices for Disney’s Hercules.
What Is Disney’s Hercules About? (Spoiler-free)
Based on Disney’s beloved animated film, Hercules follows the story of a young hero searching for where he truly belongs.
Along the way, audiences meet unforgettable characters, including Meg, Phil, Hades and the Muses, with plenty of humour, memorable songs and larger-than-life moments throughout the performance.
Even if you’ve never seen the Disney film, the story is easy to follow and makes for an entertaining evening in London’s West End.
My Experience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
One of the things I love most about London is its incredible theatre scene, so whenever my mum and I get the chance to spend time together, we usually include a musical in our plans.
As soon as Disney announced Hercules, it immediately went onto my list.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of London’s most beautiful theatres and was the perfect setting for such a large Disney production. Getting there was straightforward thanks to London’s public transport network, making it an easy theatre to include during a day of sightseeing around Covent Garden.
We were seated in the Upper Circle, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good the view was. Despite being higher up, we never felt disconnected from the performance and could easily appreciate both the choreography and the impressive stage design.
As the lights dimmed and the opening number began, it immediately felt like Disney magic had arrived on stage.
What I Loved About Hercules
The Muses Steal the Show
Without question, the Muses were the highlight of the entire production.
Their incredible vocals brought so much energy to every scene they appeared in, and they were consistently entertaining throughout the performance. Every time they came on stage, they completely lifted the atmosphere.
If I had to choose one reason to see Hercules, it would be for the Muses alone.
Stephen Carlile Is a Brilliant Hades
Another standout performance came from Stephen Carlile as Hades.
He perfectly balanced comedy with the character’s mischievous personality, creating many of the biggest laughs of the evening. His timing was excellent, and he brought a huge amount of charisma to the role.
For me, he was one of the stars of the production.
A Talented Cast
At the performance I attended, Luke Brady gave an excellent performance as Hercules, while Mae Ann Jorolan impressed me with her portrayal of Meg.
Meg’s singing was particularly memorable, once again reminding me just how talented West End performers are. Acting, singing and dancing at such a high level throughout an entire show is something I’ll never stop admiring.
Costumes, Choreography and Set Design
Disney productions are known for their visual spectacle, and Hercules certainly doesn’t disappoint.
The costumes were colourful and beautifully designed, while the choreography kept the show moving with plenty of energy. I also really enjoyed the creative set design, particularly the way it helped portray Hercules’ incredible strength throughout the story.
The special effects were enjoyable too, although I wouldn’t say they were the biggest highlight. Instead, it was the performances themselves that made the show so entertaining.
Was There Anything I Didn’t Love?
Honestly, there wasn’t anything that significantly disappointed me.
If I compare it to other West End productions I’ve seen, there are musicals that have stayed with me for longer after the curtain came down.
For example, Cabaret is a show I would happily see again, whereas Hercules is one I really enjoyed but probably wouldn’t book a second time.
That isn’t because the production isn’t good, far from it. It simply reflects my personal taste. If you love Disney, I think you’ll have a fantastic time.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is in the heart of Covent Garden. Covent Garden Underground station is around a five-minute walk from the theatre, making it easy to reach before a performance.
Where to Eat Before the Show
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat before the performance, I highly recommend Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden, which I’ve previously reviewed on MissWidjaja. It’s only a short walk from Theatre Royal Drury Lane and makes an excellent start to a theatre evening.
Where to Stay
If you’re visiting London for a weekend, you might also enjoy my review of the Grand Royale London Hyde Park, which offers a convenient base for exploring the city before catching a West End show.
Is Disney’s Hercules Worth Seeing in London?
Yes.
If you’re looking for an entertaining, family-friendly West End musical filled with Disney nostalgia, humour and fantastic performances, Hercules is absolutely worth considering.
It stays true to the spirit of the original film while delivering the excitement of live theatre, making it a great option for families, Disney fans, tourists and even first-time musical visitors.
The Muses alone make the production worth seeing, while Stephen Carlile’s hilarious performance as Hades provides some of the evening’s funniest moments.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with children or enjoying a solo trip to London, Hercules offers an enjoyable few hours in one of the city’s most iconic theatres.
Final Verdict
Disney’s Hercules successfully brings one of Disney’s most-loved animated films to the West End.
It captures the humour, music and heart of the original while showcasing the incredible talent that makes London’s theatre scene so special.
Would I see it again? Probably not.
Would I recommend it to anyone visiting London? Absolutely.
If you’re a Disney fan, this is a show that deserves a place on your London itinerary.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
More London Theatre Inspiration
One of the things I love about London’s theatre scene is how different every experience can be. After a big Disney musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a much smaller venue can feel completely different but just as memorable.
For another honest theatre experience, read my A Mirrored Monet review at Charing Cross Theatre and discover why London’s smaller theatres are worth visiting too.
