Review: Hadestown is one Hell of a musical

• It’s the start of a great run of musicals in Sydney, and Hadestown is one of the first
• From an unpromising story line comes a truly fun night, thanks to a strong local cast
• I defy you not to get caught up in this show – just don’t read the synopsis

I have one essential piece of advice to those considering seeing Hadestown, now playing a Sydney’s Theatre Royal: don’t read the online synopsis.

It’s so astonishingly convoluted that you might, like us, start planning your exit at the interval. Or even not going at all.

Thankfully, the show is a delight. The cast – along with the seven-piece orchestra – is brilliantly energetic and a stand-out in our city’s strong season of openings kicking off 2025. Even the songs are good.

Hadestown tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Look it up on Wiki at your peril.

In reality, it’s a simple love story with a heart-wrenching ending (I won’t tell you which way it goes, but bring along a box of Kleenex).

Clearly very few Sydneysiders have read the synopsis, because the house was full when we saw the show. And I’ve rarely sat among such an enthusiastic audience. They applauded, whooped and were on their feet at the end. A tip here: don’t rush for the exit! The cast have a lovely surprise in a bit of an encore, quite rare in the theatre.

So why is Hadestown so good?

Firstly, the cast are exceptional. Christine Anu plays Hermes, basically your narrator for the evening. Noah Mullins plays our hero of sorts, and Abigail Adriano his lover. Opera star Adrian Tamburini plays Hades, ruler of Hadestown and Elenoa Rokobaro his wife.

Secondly, the seven piece orchestra – who are on stage throughout – are great fun. A big shoutout to James Greening on the trombone. Wonderful work to turn this brassy instrument into a thing of sophistication and beauty.

Thirdly, the songs and the set are terrific. We applauded wildly after almost every one of this rousing repertoire of modern soul and choral pieces.

As for the story: well, you don’t have to know a lot about Greek mythology to get this simple romantic story with a sting in the tail. It’s a hit despite the myth.

Hadestown won eight Tony awards including for the music. None of those were for the synopsis.

Hades is the Greek god of the dead and the king of the underworld.  The music was written by American singer Anaïs Mitchell  who has released eight studio albums.

Essential information

What: Hadestown

Where: Theatre Royal,Sydney.

When: February 18-April 26.

Tickets: $59 to $175

Theatre Royal Box Office – theatreroyalsydney.com

1300 163 808