The gods have spoken—and they’ve arrived at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Disney’s Hercules, the stage musical inspired by the beloved animated film and rooted in the legends of Ancient Greece, continues its spectacular West End run. It is a time of gods, mortals, and one young man who isn’t quite either. As the production heads toward its final performances, the stage remains electrified by a talented company, including the iconic Muses who narrate the journey from “zero to hero.”
We spoke to Kimmy Edwards about her transition from standby to taking on the role of the Muse Clio.
Kimmy Edwards’ theatre credits include A Christmas Carol (Old Vic Theatre), The Odyssey (Unicorn Theatre), One Night of Tina (European tour), Sylvia (The Old Vic), Get Up Stand Up (Lyric Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (The Watermill Theatre), Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre), Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Ghost The Musical (UK tour), Hairspray (Germany), Tommy (English Frankfurt Theatre and German tour), and Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre).
How do you keep the show fresh now that you have one Muse to focus on?
Finding all of the qualities in the five Muses, I now want to explore all the depths of Clio and make it new and exciting each performance.
What is your unique stamp on Clio?
My own unique stamp on Clio will come from being who I am, tapping into my strengths to portray how I see Clio, which will be a unique perspective than any other actor. Clio was and is my favourite Muse to perform as I feel the most connected with her and I feel the vocal quality needed for her fits the best in my voice. I’m excited to explore her wisdom and position within the group as an older sister and the dynamic that will bring.
What is it like playing an otherworldly character?
This is the first time I have played someone otherworldly, almost ethereal. Clio is a goddess, a narrator, and has presence in both worlds. As she is a part of Greek mythology and the iconic Disney movie, there is so much to tap into and explore.
What are you looking forward to most in this role?
I’m looking forward to getting the role comfortably in my voice and body and finding new things each night, now I get to play with her a bit more. Looking out into the audience in this beautiful theatre each night is also a highlight.
How does it feel to close this chapter in such a pivotal role?
It feels extremely special to be able to close this Hercules chapter in such a pivotal role. I am very grateful and see it as a huge privilege to perform the role of Muse Clio alongside one of my best friends, who will be playing Muse Thalia.
Catch the Magic Before It Closes
Disney’s Hercules is currently playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The production is set to conclude its triumphant London run on 5 September 2026.
Be sure to catch this story of strength, identity, and the journey from “zero to hero” before the show completes its West End journey. It’s an epic tale that proves that sometimes, saving the world requires more than just flexing those pecs—it requires a different kind of strength entirely.
