Disney’s Hercules – Behind the Costumes of a West End Triumph
A closer look at DSI London’s ensemble creations for this legendary new production
Disney’s Hercules has arrived in the West End with all the power, colour and larger-than-life energy audiences expect from this beloved tale. The show brings together explosive choreography, vibrant storytelling and a bold visual identity — and we are proud to reveal DSI London’s role in helping shape the spectacular world audiences see onstage.
For this production, we were entrusted with crafting the ensemble curtain-call costumes, designed to deliver an unforgettable final impact. Built entirely in our South London studio, these heroic looks combine mythic presence with the movement, durability and finish essential for modern West End performance.
3rd December 2025
Reimagining Myth Through Modern Stagecraft
Hercules is a story steeped in classical mythology, but the West End revival embraces a fresh, dynamic energy — blending ancient influences with a contemporary theatrical aesthetic. Our challenge was to reflect that duality in costume form.
For the curtain-call sequence, the ensemble needed to step forward not merely as background performers but as heroes in their own right. We worked closely with the production’s creative team to develop a series of looks that:
• Evoke the visual language of armour, metalwork and sculpted detail
• Honour the iconic aesthetic of ancient Greece,
• Remain light, flexible and breathable for the physically demanding finale.
The result is a collection of garments that feel mythic onstage, yet are engineered with precision for high-energy movement, lifts, bows and applause.
Craftsmanship in Every Layer
Each costume is built through a carefully considered series of handcrafted elements:
• Metallic Textures
Layers of metallic fabrics, heat-set textures and reflective surfaces catch the light from every angle, delivering the shimmer and intensity of a heroic finale.
• Structured Silhouettes
Sculpted shoulder pieces, contoured armour-inspired panels and shaped skirts were designed to create bold, graphic outlines that read clearly from the back row of the theatre.
• Hand-Placed Details
Every embellishment — from geometric motifs to metallic appliqué — was placed by hand, ensuring each costume aligns perfectly with the show’s visual identity.
• Movement-Led Engineering
Underpinning each piece is a foundation built for durability, fluidity and comfort.
The ensemble moves constantly during the finale, and the costumes needed to support — never restrict — the energy of the choreography.
Each construction step took place in our South London workroom, where our team combined technical expertise with artistic sensitivity to bring Disney’s vision to life.
Made in London – A Core Part of the Creative Process
As with every DSI London project, these costumes were designed, cut, constructed and finished entirely in London, without outsourcing or imported garment work.
Our Made in London commitment allows:
• Rapid development cycles
• Real-time collaboration with designers
• Complete control over quality from first sketch to final fitting
Productions of this scale depend on reliability, speed and precision — and local manufacturing makes that possible.
A Heroic Finale for a Legendary Story
The curtain-call is the last moment the cast shares with the audience — a celebration, a release, and a visual crescendo.
To have our work featured so prominently in this powerful moment is a privilege we hold in high regard.
We extend our gratitude to the Hercules creative team for their trust and partnership.
It is an honour to contribute to another leading West End production, standing proudly beside our work on Moulin Rouge, Hamilton, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and The Hunger Games: On Stage.
Experience Hercules in London
Disney’s Hercules is now playing in the West End — a vibrant, joy-filled production that blends heart, humour and unforgettable music with a bold contemporary vision.
Learn more and book tickets:
Stay tuned… more behind-the-seams insights from this production will follow soon.
