The critically acclaimed West End production of Hadestown has announced that Dutch actor and singer Joy Wielkens will join the cast for a limited, seven-week engagement as the goddess Persephone. Wielkens, who previously captivated audiences in the role during the show's run at the Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam, will take the stage at the Lyric Theatre from January 20 until March 8, 2026.
Her performance in the Netherlands garnered high praise, with AD applauding how "Weilkens blows the audience away with her soulful voice that cuts straight to the Heart." Her extensive theatre credits in the Netherlands include major roles in productions such as A Raisin in the Sun, The Mountaintop, and Dear Winnie.
Wielkens steps into the role following the final performance of BRIT Award-winning Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts, who concludes her run as Persephone on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
She will join a stellar current cast including Desmonda Cathabel as Eurydice, Chris Jarman as Hades, Cedric Neal as Hermes, and Dylan Wood as Orpheus.
Hadestown, a powerful and defiant musical experience, tells the intertwined mythic love stories of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the complicated relationship between King Hades and his wife Persephone. It is brought to life with music, lyrics, and book by the Tony® and Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, and directed by Tony® Award-winner Rachel Chavkin.
The show blends diverse American songwriting traditions, from indie folk and pop to blues and New Orleans-inspired jazz. Hadestown is currently booking in London until September 27, 2026. Details regarding casting for performances from March 10, 2026, will be announced shortly.
