A bold teen edition of Hadestown at Romiley Forum showcases NK Theatre Arts’ ambition, musical strength and standout young performers, even as the myth‑inspired musical itself divides opinion — review by Ian Cheeseman.
EVERY few months I venture down to the West End to watch a few shows. If you plan ahead, it’s not as expensive as you think! One of the shows I was considering was Hades Town, the Musical written by Anais Mitchell.
The story is based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The starving young girl goes to work in a hellish industrial version of Hell which is overseen by Hades and his wife Persephone. Her singer/songwriter lover Orpheus attempts to rescue her.
When I first read the synopsis I was a little uncertain about what to expect but the professional show has run on Broadway for over 2000 performances and Nicola Roberts, of girl band Girls Aloud, has been starring as Persephone in the West End version which is at the Lyric Theatre.
When I saw that NK Theatre Arts, who’re based at Romiley Forum, had secured the rights to perform the show, as a teen edition, I was excited to see it. I interviewed director Paul Wilson, who admitted he’d not seen the professional show so he could come at it from his own perspective, which I totally respect. I can’t compare his vision to the professional show but I was certainly impressed by the ambition of this company and Paul for taking it on.
I’m a huge fan of the Musical Chess, which has been revived on Broadway, and I have always been drawn to that show by the music, which is written by Benny & Bjorn from Abba. Just like Chess, Hades Town centres around the score and there was a concept album of the music released in 2010 with writer Anais Mitchell singing the part of Persephone. She says she was inspired by Les Miserables.
There are two conclusions I came to after watching Hades Town by NK Theatre Arts. The first is about the musical itself. Admittedly this was my first time watching it and listening to the music, but it wasn’t my taste. We all love different music, styles and stories but this one was not my cup of tea. I’ve heard people say the same about Chess, that the story is too complicated and not something familiar.
On Broadway, Chess has been redirected to include a more prominent role for the Artbitor (the referee) who narrates the show, making the story easier to follow and to add humour. In Hades Town Hermes, played brilliantly by George Rolfe, constantly pops up to guide us. The darkness of Hades, King of the Underworld, is pitched just right by Alex Farrar, who had believable menace when needed. His wife Persephone (Darcey Kayima) had a beautiful voice and added some glamour to the piece.
The toughest role must have been Orpheus and Isaac McElroy showed great skill by spinning not just his triple threat credentials (singing, acting and movement) but added playing an instrument. Bravo, that was a big challenge and he looked like he was enjoying himself. I have to give special mention, though, to Mia Reilly as Eurydice. I’ve seen Mia on stage a few times now and she always impresses. She captured the light and shade, the ups and downs of her character perfectly. She played vulnerability, joy and romance and has a wonderful singing voice. I feel certain she has a professional career ahead of her.
Special mention to the Band, led by Ceri Graves. The music was faultless which was so important in a show which is virtually sung through. The lighting and sound was also on point from beginning to end.
My conclusions are that NK Theatre Arts have once again triumphed. The show had depth and must have been challenging for everyone involved. Well done for taking it on and not going for safer options. I enjoyed the show and maybe I’ll revisit it in the future, but for my upcoming trip to the West End I’ll go for another show, rather than Hades Town. This wasn’t really my kind of show, but we all have different tastes so don’t take my word for it, go along yourself, if you can, and make your own mind up.
You won’t be disappointed by the performances, which, as always by NK Theatre Arts, were top class.
Hades Town – Teen edition, runs at Romiley Forum until Saturday 17th January
Their next production will be Come From Away 25th to 28th March 2026