Disney’s ‘Hercules’ Set to Replace ‘Frozen’ in West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Disney musical theatre enthusiasts in London have something exciting to look forward to as the musical adaptation of Disney’s 1997 film ‘Hercules’ is set to premiere at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the summer of 2025. This announcement follows the imminent closure of the West End’s ‘Frozen,’ offering a thrilling new production to fill the void for Disney fans.
‘Hercules,’ which originally debuted as an animated movie during Disney’s prolific run of hits in the late ’80s to mid-’90s, including ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Aladdin,’ and ‘The Lion King,’ has maintained a dedicated following despite its more modest success compared to its predecessors. Disney songwriting legend Alan Menken has championed the stage adaptation, nurturing its development over the years.
The musical has seen previous productions in the United States and Germany, each relatively small in scale. However, the upcoming West End run will mark its largest production yet, fitting for one of London’s most prestigious theatres. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is set to host this grand rendition, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, who helmed the Hamburg production. The book for the show is co-written by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah.
While details about the West End adaptation remain limited, it is expected to follow the format of the Hamburg production. The US versions received mixed reviews, but the iterative nature of musical development means that the West End version could be significantly refined. Fans of the film can anticipate an engaging and nostalgic experience, while newcomers may discover a charming addition to Disney’s theatrical repertoire.
As ‘Hercules’ prepares to conquer the West End, it sets the stage for a potential future on Broadway, making its upcoming London debut a crucial step in its journey. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or new to the story, the ‘Hercules’ musical promises an entertaining and mythic theatrical experience.
