My Trip Way Down To Hadestown

Hello world! Welcome back to another blog! In this blog I will be taking you through my trip way down to Hadestown on 15th April 2025, which I saw at the Lyric Theatre with a good friend of mine who I haven’t seen in months.

Originally written by Anaïs Mitchell, and casted by Jacob Sparrow and developed and directed by Rachel Chavkin, this tells the tale of a romance based on Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and also the relationship between hades and Persephone. 

Dylan Wood took on the role of Orpheus. I loved his shy and awkward personality when he saw Eurydice for the first time, but his talent of writing songs was a beautiful gift to see, and his voice was impeccable. Although sometimes the character can get too obsessive to the point where he doesn’t notice anyone else, which as the play goes on has a profound effect. But he manages to get some guidance from Hermes (who I’ll mention later), and goes on the adventure of a lifetime. Desmonda Cathabel took on the role of Eurydice, who is abit of a rebel due to being let down her whole life, but meeting Orpheus changed her outlook on life. But after trying to call him for help when trying to find more food, her meeting with Hades, knowing her desperation for food and shelter, changed everything in their relationship. And I loved the chemistry they shared together on stage, and I can see why they were cast in this roles.

Cedric Neal took on the role of Hermes. After listening to the soundtrack and watching the show, I got narrator and MC vibes, telling the story as it goes on. He definitely got me energised, and the audience participation at the beginning, I felt, was a great way to kick things off! But we also got to see a serious side when it got to the high stakes moment, showing variation throughout the piece. 

Juan Jackson took on the role of Hades, who is also the understudy. I thought he did a brilliant betrayal of this villainous character, also known as true god of death. We also got to see that maybe he buried his feelings of when he first met Persephone down below due to his obsession with being king. But Orpheus’ song made him unlock those feelings he kept for so long. And it’s moments like this where workout understudies, there’d be no show, and whether he was told to step in last minute or given a week in advance, he definitely pulled off this iconic role in Greek mythology. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt played the role of Persephone, wife of Hades. Wow what a voice she has, and when up top she wants to make sure that when spring comes everyone has enough food, water and sun to go around. But by fall when she returns to Hadestown, even though we still see the sassy wife she is, her marriage to Hades was certainly on the rocks. And despite a slip up on her mic, like the true professional she is, she carried on and didn’t let that affect her. Like Orpheus and Eurydice, I loved the chemistry between her and Hades, where we got to see trouble on the horizon, to rediscovering why they fell in love in the first place. 

Allie Daniel, Melanie Bright and Lauren Rae took on the role of the Fates. They were giving me the three witch vibes from Macbeth, as at one point they urge Eurydice to go down to Hadestown, and then the next they criticised Hades on his choice as to whether to let her go. And the harmonies they had together were beautiful, they blended together very nicely. Whilst I still have some learning to do about these three mythical characters, I thoroughly enjoyed their part of the show. 

The ensemble also brought the show together, as without them, there would be no show. But Laura Delany and Sebastian Lim-Seet were my particular favourites, as they just had that sparkle about them which I liked. And knowing that they had to portray separate identities from up top to Hadestown was a challenge in itself, and they did it beautifully. 

The set used in the show was very clever. I loved how with just a simple tweak, the setting from up top to Hadestown itself can make a big difference. This is also a fine example of how less really is more, and with lighting and sound, it also had a major impact. 

I loved the band and how they became part of the show as seen in act 2. As the songs in the show (with my two favourite being “Road to Hell” and “Wait For Me”, both main and reprise), were so catchy. I also loved how one of them even got out of their seats and got involved with one of the characters. But I'll let you watch it yourself to see which band member and which character.

I don’t think I have any downsides, as it was a really great show and the way they modernised a classic Greek myth was clever. But I think the only thing was the ending and how it didn’t pan out for the young lovers, but I guess there’s a reason why most myths are tragedies. And whilst I still don’t have full knowledge of my Greek mythology, having the story told this way really does help. Finally, and it may have only been me, but there was a couple of audience members who chuckled abit during some of the most emotional moments. Part of me was wondering "Why are you laughing?" but I didn't say anything as lets face it, it wouldn't look good from my end would it?

Overall I would give the show a 4.95. It had earworm songs, brilliant acting and singing and they really told this Greek myth beautifully. And it was also good to see it with a friend who I haven’t seen in months, which made it even more special!

And that was it for my review of the show, and its safe to say, it definitely led me down "The Road To Hell"! Let me know if you’ve seen it and what your thoughts are. Equally let me know if you’re going to watch it! Please see the link below for the dates of the show and how long it’ll be on for!

Hadestown West End | Official Website | Lyric Theatre

See you soon for another blog. Until next time…

This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)