By Mrs Jones (Music Teacher)

A group of 73 excited pupils from Years 3-6 recently embarked on a memorable West End trip to see Disney’s Hercules at the magnificent Theatre Royal Drury Lane. From the moment they took their seats, the atmosphere was electric, setting the tone for an all-singing, all dancing theatrical spectacular.

While Hercules may not be as widely recognised as other 1990s Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, or The Lion King, this stage adaptation more than holds its own. With music by Alan Menken, known for Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act, and lyrics by David Zippel, the score is vibrant, varied, and consistently engaging.

The show opens with “The Gospel Truth,” introducing the Muses, a dynamic gospel-style group who bring humour and energy as they narrate the tale. Their lively presence, blending gospel, Motown, and musical theatre influences, delighted the pupils and added a fresh twist to the mythological setting.

As the story unfolds, Hercules’ journey of self-discovery is captured in the powerful ballad Go the Distance, which resonated strongly with the audience. Many pupils commented afterwards on how inspiring they found this moment. The introduction of Phil, the reluctant trainer of heroes, brought plenty of humour in One Last Hope, while the high-energy Zero to Hero proved a clear highlight.

Megara’s I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) offered a contrasting moment of wit and emotion, with her independent and humorous character particularly popular with the students.

The production builds to a heartwarming conclusion with A Star is Born, as Hercules proves that true heroism lies not in strength alone, but in the courage of the heart. For some pupils, this was their first experience of live theatre on such a grand scale, making it an especially memorable trip. We are now looking forward to continuing rehearsals of the songs in Junior Choir ahead of the summer concert.