Hadestown is London’s hottest new musical – after all, it is set in the depths of the underworld.

Hadestown recently hit the West End at London’s Lyric Theatre, following a successful run at the National Theatre and then Broadway, before it finally returned to London.

The all-musical performance was written by singer and songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin.

The plot loosely follows the classic Greek myth of Orpheus (Dónal Finn) and Eurydice (Grace Hodgett-Young), a tale of a talented musician who follows his love into the Underworld using his musical talents to the best of his abilities.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The plot loosely follows the classic Greek myth of Orpheus (Dónal Finn) and Eurydice (Grace Hodgett Young).The plot loosely follows the classic Greek myth of Orpheus (Dónal Finn) and Eurydice (Grace Hodgett Young). (Image: Marc Brenner)

The plot also follows the story of Hades, King of the Underworld (Zachary James) and his wife and Queen Persephone (Gloria Onitiri).

It is set within old-world America, combining dapper suits, saloon settings and underworld souls such as miners and factory workers.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: It is set within old-world America, combining dapper suits, saloon settings and underworld souls such as miners and factory workers.It is set within old-world America, combining dapper suits, saloon settings and underworld souls such as miners and factory workers. (Image: Marc Brenner)

The story is told through the narrative of Hermes, God of Messages (Melanie La Barrie) who brings a charismatic and comedic side to the character with dialogue spoken in a rich and warm Caribbean twang.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The story is told through the narrative of Hermes, God of Messages (Melanie La Barrie).The story is told through the narrative of Hermes, God of Messages (Melanie La Barrie). (Image: Marc Brenner)

The music is a mix of modern American folk and jazz inspired by New Orleans, with a mix of power ballads, catchy melodies and provoking songs with beautiful vocals.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The music is a mix of modern American folk and jazz inspired by New Orleans.The music is a mix of modern American folk and jazz inspired by New Orleans. (Image: Marc Brenner)

Anyone who knows Greek mythology knows that this story isn’t one that ends well, after all it is a Greek tragedy, yet the incredible music, staging and thrilling plotline makes the audience forget that for a moment, and I found myself really rooting for the lovers, despite my prior understanding of how the story ends.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: It is a Greek tragedy, yet the incredible music, staging and thrilling plotline makes the audience forget that for a moment.It is a Greek tragedy, yet the incredible music, staging and thrilling plotline makes the audience forget that for a moment. (Image: Marc Brenner)

The first act takes place in the above world as Orpheus meets Eurydice and Persephone rejoins the world above to bring forth spring after six months with her husband.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: I found myself really rooting for the lovers, despite my prior understanding of how the story ends. I found myself really rooting for the lovers, despite my prior understanding of how the story ends. (Image: Marc Brenner)
That is followed by the second act, which plunges us as the audience into the dark and harsh land of the Underworld, using ambient lighting and methodical choreography by (David Neumann) to give a sense of the drudgery and loss of hope the world holds for Eurydice who has been taken there.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: The second act plunges us as the audience into the dark and harsh land of the Underworld, where Eurydice has been taken.The second act plunges us as the audience into the dark and harsh land of the Underworld, where Eurydice has been taken. (Image: Marc Brenner)

Dónal Finn gives a stunning performance as Orpheus, delivering a strong vocal and musical performance which is deeply moving to watch.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Dónal Finn gives a stunning performance as Orpheus.Dónal Finn gives a stunning performance as Orpheus. (Image: Marc Brenner)

Grace Hodgett-Young makes a strong and determined Eurydice who serves as the ultimate underdog, as she works arduously to stay alive, although throughout the performance we do get to see her softer side.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Grace Hodgett-Young makes a strong and determined Eurydice who serves as the ultimate underdog.Grace Hodgett-Young makes a strong and determined Eurydice who serves as the ultimate underdog. (Image: Marc Brenner)

Gloria Onitiri’s performance as Persephone is refreshingly powerful and full of spirit, which she brings to the role in abundance, really bringing out a different side to the Goddess of Spring through powerful singing, wit and humour.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Gloria Onitiri’s performance as Persephone is refreshingly powerful and full of spirit.Gloria Onitiri’s performance as Persephone is refreshingly powerful and full of spirit. (Image: Marc Brenner)

Zachary James gives a showstopping performance as Hades, with low bass musical tones and a swaggering and brazen attitude towards his life, his marriage and his domain.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Zachary James gives a showstopping performance as Hades.Zachary James gives a showstopping performance as Hades. (Image: Marc Brenner)

The show ends on a sombre note, as so many tragic Greek myths do, with Hadestown cleverly using Greek mythology as a way of embodying the hardships of life and the way we as people use art, music and performance to capture it in a meaningful way.

All in all the show was heartbreakingly beautiful, entertaining and had me on a journey to hell and back, quite literally, but it would be one I’d happily embark on again.