Hadestown brings mythology, music and magic to Belfast

There are some productions that are simply enjoyable, and then there are those that completely sweep you away. BSPA’s production of Hadestown at The MAC Belfast firmly belongs in the latter category. We were delighted to be invited along to today’s matinee, on the final day of the run, and watching Team Olympus take to the stage was nothing short of extraordinary. Ambitious, atmospheric and packed with remarkable young talent, this was a production that felt far bigger than the stage on which it was performed.

Based on the Tony Award winning musical by Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown takes the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Persephone and Hades and gives them a completely fresh identity through a stunning blend of folk, jazz, blues and musical theatre.

From the moment the production began, it was clear that BSPA had taken on a considerable challenge, but what was perhaps most impressive was the confidence with which Team Olympus embraced it.

At the centre of the story were Brody Elliott as Orpheus and Caitriona McCloskey as Eurydice, who brought both vulnerability and emotional depth to their characters. Their journey sits at the heart of the show and the chemistry between them gave the story its emotional weight.

Alex Johnston’s Hades was suitably commanding, while Amy Nelson’s Persephone brought a wonderful mixture of warmth, humour and vulnerability to the role. Together they created a fascinating contrast between the two worlds of the show.

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Holding everything together was Hannah McAlister Colacio as Hermes, whose stage presence and storytelling ability made them a compelling guide through this extraordinary world. Hermes is an important role in Hadestown, and Hannah brought exactly the confidence and charisma it requires.

The Fates, played by Betsy Andrews, Nina Rodrigues and Ruby Donaldson, were another highlight, while the Furies added an appropriately haunting and powerful presence. The ensemble deserves particular recognition too. With such a large company of workers, dancers and performers filling the stage, there was a real sense of scale and community throughout.

And then there is the music.

The Hadestown score is demanding, distinctive and instantly atmospheric, and the Underworld Band provided a fantastic live accompaniment throughout. Abigail Matchett on guitar, Corey McReynolds on piano, Joe McGarry on saxophone and Tyler McReynolds on drums created the musical heartbeat of the production and helped transport the audience from Belfast into the mythical world of Hadestown.

The choreography and movement were equally impressive. There was a real physicality to the production, particularly in the Underworld sequences, with the ensemble creating some wonderfully dramatic stage pictures. Emma McKay, as Demon and Dance Captain, and the wider dance company brought energy and precision to the production.

One of the things that makes this production particularly special, however, is BSPA’s decision to have two separate casts. It gives a huge number of young performers the opportunity to experience performing a major musical in front of a live audience, while also allowing them to develop their confidence, skills and stagecraft.

And judging by what we saw from Team Olympus, that opportunity is being embraced wholeheartedly.

There was confidence, commitment and an obvious love for the material from the entire company. Whether delivering a solo, performing in the ensemble, dancing, playing in the band or contributing to one of the many intricate moments happening around the stage, everyone had a part to play in bringing this production to life.

The interval performance was another lovely touch, with Phoebe Kirk as The Muse and Matthew Edwards, Oliver Chestnutt and Tom Honeyford as The Styx, adding another opportunity for the young performers to showcase their talents.

What could easily have become an overwhelming production was instead remarkably cohesive. It looked, sounded and felt like a company that had invested an enormous amount of time and passion into telling this story.

In closing BSPA should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved with Hadestown. It is ambitious, challenging material, but Team Olympus rose to that challenge under the Artistic Direction of Peter Corry with Director Tina McVeigh, Assistant Director Adam Gillian and Musical Director Matthew Campbell .

Their performance oozed confidence and energy that I found genuinely impressive, I don’t say this lightly but it is possibly the best teen production I’ve EVER seen.

More importantly though , it is a reminder of just how much young talent exists here in Northern Ireland when given the opportunity to shine. As the final curtain falls on this run today, those involved can take an enormous amount of pride in what they have created. For us, it was an afternoon of theatre that was truly unforgettable. Thanks for the opportunity to review