London – The son of Zeus is back—and this time, he’s belting high notes. Disney’s Hercules, the cult-favourite 1997 animated film, has been reborn as a live stage musical at London’s iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane. And yes, it brings the gods, the laughs, and the gospel-powered muses along for the ride.

The musical adaptation sticks to the original’s heroic arc: baby Hercules is stripped of his immortality by scheming underworld uncle Hades and must earn his way back to Mount Olympus by becoming a true hero. But don’t expect a carbon copy. As co-writer Robert Horn puts it, the show “reflects contemporary culture and still honours the DNA of the animated movie.”

Fan-favourite elements return with full force—especially the muses, who narrate Hercules’ journey with sass, soul and sequins. Malinda Parris, who plays Calliope, calls it a dream come true. “We’ve idolised these women,” she says. “To now be that representation for young girls—it’s powerful.”

While the film’s heart remains, expect a few divine tweaks. Hercules’ tough-love trainer Phil has swapped his satyr hooves for taverna vibes. “Phil still loves and supports Hercules,” says actor Trevor Dion Nicholas, “but we’ve deepened that paternal relationship.”

Alongside the original soundtrack by Oscar-winner Alan Menken—including hits like Go the Distance and Zero to Hero—the show introduces new numbers that aim to hit just as hard.

Packed with big voices, fresh choreography and plenty of nostalgia, Hercules the musical may just pull off the Herculean task of pleasing old fans and new audiences alike.

Get ready for laughs, lyres and lightning bolts—it’s hero time in the West End.