Hadestown

For those unfamiliar with this musical, Hadestown is a modern folk‑opera retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set against a backdrop of industrial grit, political tension, and soulful jazz‑infused music. It’s a story about love, trust, power, and the eternal struggle between hope and despair. It’s also a show that demands emotional maturity, vocal strength, and a deep understanding of storytelling and NK Theatre Arts’ Teen Edition delivered all of that and more with a production that was nothing short of remarkable.

This stunning piece of theatre was brought to life by the exceptional creative team of Paul Wilson (Director), Ceri Greaves (Musical Director), and Jenny Wilson (Choreography). Each brought something truly special to the stage. The young performers were so well drilled, so confident, and so connected to the material that the overall performance felt polished, professional, and deeply moving. Because of this unified vision and the discipline instilled in the cast, the show never once lost momentum; every transition, every musical cue, every shift in tone was executed with precision and purpose.

Settling into our seats, accompanied by the lovely NODA President, Kay Rowan, we were very quickly whisked away into the world of Hadestown. The atmosphere wrapped around us almost instantly. The open stage setting, with the band positioned on either side and rostrums used to create different levels, brought great depth and dimension to the storytelling. It allowed the cast to move fluidly, creating striking stage pictures that enhanced the narrative without ever distracting from it. The musicians, visible and integrated into the world of the show, added an electric energy that made the audience feel as though we were part of the underground, part of the myth, part of the journey.

Hermes, played by George Rolfe, commanded the stage from the moment he appeared. Hermes is the guide, the narrator, the thread that ties the story together and George embraced that responsibility with charisma and confidence. His storytelling through voice and gesture was brilliant; he had a natural ease that made every line feel conversational yet powerful. His entrances and exits were seamless and creative, gliding in and out of scenes with a sense of magic and mischief. This was a very powerful performance, and George should be incredibly proud. He anchored the show with maturity beyond his years.

Persephone, played by Darcey Kayima, and Hades, played by Alex Farrar, were certainly a force to be reckoned with. Darcey brought a vibrant, intoxicating energy to Persephone playful, chaotic, and full of life. Her vocals were soulful and rich, especially in numbers like “Livin’ It Up on Top,” where her voice soared with joyful abandon. Alex, as Hades, offered a commanding contrast: deep, resonant vocals and a stillness that radiated power. His rendition of “Why We Build the Wall” was chilling, delivered with a calm authority that made the audience lean in. Together, Darcey and Alex created a dynamic, compelling portrayal of a fractured but magnetic couple.

Orpheus, played by Isaac McElroy, and Eurydice, played by Mia Reilly, were stunning in their roles. Isaac’s Orpheus was gentle, earnest, and beautifully sincere. His vocals in “Epic I,” “Epic II,” and especially “Wait for Me” were powerful, strong, and emotionally charged. He captured the purity and determination of Orpheus with remarkable sensitivity. Mia’s Eurydice was equally captivating, grounded, relatable, and full of quiet strength. Her performance of “Flowers” was a standout moment, sung with such raw emotion that the entire theatre seemed to hold its breath. Together, Isaac and Mia created a believable, heartbreaking chemistry that made the final moments of the show all the more devastating.

Then you have The Fates, who brought an irresistible blend of menace, charm, and vocal brilliance. Played by Seren Jones, Olive Worthington, and Sophie Bradford, this trio was stunning in both their vocals and their movement. Their harmonies were tight, haunting, and beautifully blended especially in numbers like “When the Chips Are Down” and “Word to the Wise.” They moved as one entity, weaving through scenes with an eerie elegance that perfectly captured the essence of the Fates: ever‑present, ever‑watching, ever‑influencing. They brought texture and tension to every moment they touched.

There were so many wonderful moments in this musical that it’s difficult to highlight them all. “Wait for Me” was staged with breathtaking creativity the use of lights, movement, and ensemble created a sense of urgency and magic that rivalled professional productions. “Way Down Hadestown” was bursting with energy, rhythm, and personality. “Road to Hell” opened the show with a bang, immediately showcasing the cast’s vocal strength and setting the tone for the journey ahead.

NK Theatre Arts, you certainly smashed this Teen Edition of Hadestown. Every finer detail was choreographed with care. The way you utilised chairs and tables to support smooth transitions was fantastic, inventive, efficient, and visually striking. The head‑lights worn by some of the actors to illuminate others was simply genius, adding a raw, industrial feel that fit the world of the show perfectly.

This production was a testament to what young performers can achieve when given the right guidance, trust, and creative space. It was bold, emotional, beautifully sung, and full of heart. The vocals were powerful, strong, and soulful throughout, and the storytelling was clear, confident, and deeply affecting.

NK Theatre Arts should be incredibly proud. This was not just a teen production it was a triumph of youth theatre, a celebration of talent, and a reminder of the magic that happens when passion meets discipline.

A truly unforgettable night in Hadestown, well done!

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