Nicola Roberts leaves West End musical Hadestown

Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts has announced her early departure from hit West End musical Hadestown.

Nicola Roberts was in her final weeks playing Persephone in the hit musical at the Lyric Theatre in London, and was scheduled to leave on 18 January 2026.

However, Nicola has now left the musical 10 days early for medical reasons.

Nicola posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying:

“I’m so sad and disappointed to have to share this news with you all. Today I have learnt that I have to undergo a small surgical procedure and have been informed by my doctor that as a result I will be unable to complete my final week of Hadestown shows. Everything is ok ? I am heartbroken I won’t get to share the stage with my incredible cast who I love dearly and perform for the passionate Hadestown audiences I’ve had the privilege to get to know over these last 5 months. I have adored playing the role of Persephone, it has been a dream come true and I’m so upset not to be able to fulfil my final week and to leave the show without a proper goodbye. I’m so sorry to anyone who had organised trips and booked tickets for my last week. This is completely out of my control and really I have to follow my doctor’s instructions. Sending love to everyone, thank you for your continued support and understanding ❤️”.

Over Christmas, Nicola and her partner, footballer Mitch Hahn, announced that they are expecting their first child.

Taking over the role of Persephone from 20 January will be Dutch actor and singer Joy Wielkens. Joy Wielkens is scheduled to perform until 8 March. Also leaving on that date is Desmonda Cathabel, with further casting to be announced.

Broadway and TV star Daniel Breaker (Hamilton) recently joined the show as Hermes, replacing Cedric Neal.

The current cast of Hadestown also features Desmonda Cathabel (Disney’s Aladdin, Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream) as Eurydice, Dylan Wood (No Love Songs) as Orpheus, and Chris Jarman (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Hades.

The company also includes Melanie Bright, Allie Daniel and Lauran Rae as the Fates, with an ensemble including Femi Akinfolarin, Michelle Andrews, Ollie Bingham, Laura Delany, Sebastian Lim-Seet, Lucinda Buckley, Juan Jackson, Oisín Nolan-Power, Lindo Shinda and Jasmine Triadi.

More Hadestown videos and photos: Nicola Roberts > | Hadestown photos >

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hadestown is written by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin. Blending modern American folk with vintage New Orleans jazz, the show reimagines the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone as a haunting, contemporary musical journey through the underworld.

The creative team also includes David Neumann (choreography), Rachel Hauck (scenic design), Michael Krass (costume design), Bradley King (lighting design), Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (sound design), Liam Robinson (music supervision and vocal arrangements), Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose (arrangements and orchestrations), Ken Cerniglia (dramaturgy), Maria Crocker (UK Associate Director), Tarek Merchant (Musical Director), Jacob Sparrow (London casting).