HadesTown Teen Edition – The Forum Theatre

This is another production at which NK excels, gathering a number of extremely talented young people together to bring out the best in their multiple abilities resulting in a gloriously entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable production, although I have to confess that at times I was a bit bewildered as to what was going on in the storyline, but that is down to my shortcomings rather than any fault with the cast.

It was wonderful to see Paul Wilson directing another teen edition version of a classic show following on from the excellent Six which he directed a couple of years ago (ably complimented by Ceri Graves as Musical Director and Jenny Wilson as Choreographer) and it was always going to be difficult to reach the same standard as they previously achieved with that production but again assisted by an extremely talented young cast they managed to come very close.

The story is based around the Greek myth of Orpheus and his journey to the underworld following his love Eurydice down to Hades Town when the season changes from spring / summer to the harsh realities of winter. Eurydice is lured down into the underworld by the ruler of Hades Town and Orpheus then sets out on a perilous journey to rescue her. Hades Town is represented as an industrialised location in the underworld that promises great comfort but at even greater cost.

The show starts with all the cast on the stage at the beginning of the production who are then introduced by the God Hermes (played by George Rolfe) who introduces the main players and then acts as narrator and guide who is crucial to weaving the story together. The tale revolves around two couples; Orpheus himself (Isaac McElroy), a passionate musician on the lyre and his young love Eurydice (Mia Reilly, who has a wonderful singing voice) and Hades (Alex Farrar who did an excellent job of reaching the low notes in his solo songs) and Persephone (Darcy Kayima, who brought a lovely warmth to her character, again with excellent vocal ability). These four were complimented by the trio of the Fates; Clotho (Seren Jones), Lachesis (Olive Withington) and Atropos (Sophie Bradford), who’s harmonies in their singing were amongst the best I have ever heard in any local theatre production.

The vocals and choreography from the ensemble company were excellent throughout the production and this was complimented by the always excellent live band led by the musical director Ceri Graves. The show runs until Saturday 17^th January and I think that tickets are still available for all shows. It is an intriguing version of a classical Greek myth and legend and is worth checking out.

Playing until 17th January, https://nktheatre.co.uk/

Reviewer: David S Clarke

Reviewed: 14th January 2026

North West End UK Rating: