She’s got the vocals, the comedy, and the divine energy to back it up.
West End star Candace Furbert is currently lighting up London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane as Thalia in Disney’s Hercules. We grabbed a moment with the star to chat about harmonising, comedy, and bringing pure West End magic to Mount Olympus. Dive in!
For those unaware, what can you tell us about Hercules and your role as Thalia?
Hercules is such a joyful celebration of finding your place in the world. It's full of heart, humour, unforgettable music and larger-than-life characters. I play Thalia, the Muse of Comedy, and the Muses are really the storytellers of the show. We guide the audience through Hercules' journey, comment on the action and keep the energy high from beginning to end. Thalia is quick-witted, playful and never afraid to speak her mind, so I get to have so much fun every single performance. She has this wonderful ability to make people laugh while still helping tell a story with real heart.
What can audiences expect in terms of similarities and differences from the classic 1997 Disney animated movie?
People who grew up loving the film will absolutely recognise the music, the characters and the heart of the story. That's all still there. But what I love about the stage version is that it expands the world in such an exciting way. The relationships have more room to breathe, there are new songs and scenes, and because it's live theatre, there's an energy you simply can't recreate on screen. It's familiar enough to make you nostalgic, but fresh enough that you'll still be surprised.
Thalia is traditionally the Muse of Comedy, and this production is billed as a wise-cracking, column-shaking ride. How do you balance the iconic gospel vocals with delivering sharp comedy every night?
For me, the comedy only really works if it's rooted in truth. Thalia is funny because she's genuinely reacting to what's happening around her, not because she's trying to be funny. Once I trust those moments, the humour comes naturally. Vocally, the score is incredibly demanding, so I rely on technique and consistency. The goal is never to choose between the vocals and the comedy—they should support each other. If I'm telling the story honestly, both can exist at the same time.
The show centres around the idea that becoming a hero requires more than physical strength. How does Thalia view true strength?
I think Thalia understands that strength has very little to do with muscles and everything to do with character. Hercules spends much of the story believing he has to prove himself physically, but what makes him a true hero is his kindness, compassion and willingness to put others before himself. I think that's such an important message because it's timeless. We all know people who are incredibly strong without ever needing to be the loudest person in the room.
You're working with Casey Nicholaw, Tanisha Scott, Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah. What has the collaborative process been like?
It's been incredibly inspiring. You're surrounded by people who are all masters of what they do, but there's also a real spirit of collaboration. Everyone wants to explore ideas and discover what makes each character unique. That gave me the freedom to find Thalia's own rhythm, humour and physicality while always serving the overall vision of the show. It's one of those creative environments where you feel challenged in the best possible way.
What was it like building that sisterhood with the other Muses?
Honestly, one of the greatest gifts of this experience has been creating that bond with the other Muses.
We spent so much time together in rehearsals that the trust grew naturally. We laughed together, worked through harmonies together, experimented with different comedic moments and really learned how each other worked. By the time we stepped on stage, it genuinely felt like a sisterhood, and I think audiences can feel that connection.
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| Photo by Johan Persson. |
How do you protect your voice during an eight-show week?
Looking after my voice becomes part of everyday life. Hydration is so important, as are proper warm-ups and making sure I rest whenever I can. You also learn to be disciplined with your technique because that's what allows you to perform consistently without forcing anything. Eight shows a week is definitely demanding, but when you have good habits and a great company supporting each other, it becomes part of your routine.
How does it feel performing Alan Menken and David Zippel's music in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane?
It's genuinely surreal. These are songs so many of us grew up with, and getting to perform them in such an iconic theatre is incredibly special. There's something magical about hearing the audience react to those opening notes every night. It's a reminder of just how much these songs have meant to people over the years. The big ensemble numbers are probably my favourite because there's this incredible feeling of everyone sharing that moment together.
Why do you think Hercules still resonates today?
At its heart, it's about identity. It's about wondering where you belong, trying to live up to expectations and eventually realising that being yourself is enough. Those are things people experience no matter their age. Add humour, incredible music and a lot of heart, and you have a story that continues to connect with audiences generation after generation.
How do you get into character before a show?
I like keeping my pre-show routine consistent because it helps me feel grounded. I'll warm up my voice, stretch, check in with the cast and take a few quiet moments to focus before everything gets busy. Then once the costume goes on and we hear those first notes of the show, Thalia just comes to life. It's almost like stepping into another world.
What's the most important item in your dressing room?
Definitely my water bottle! It sounds simple, but staying hydrated is essential. I also love having little reminders of home and the people who support me. Those personal touches make the dressing room feel like a calm space before the excitement of the show begins.
How do you reflect on the journey so far, and what's the biggest lesson it's taught you?
It's been such a rewarding journey, both professionally and personally. Every day reminds me how collaborative theatre really is. Nobody creates a show on their own, and some of the most magical moments happen because people trust and support one another. If I've learned anything, it's to trust the process, stay open and enjoy every step of the journey.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by people who lead with kindness while continuing to challenge themselves creatively. I also find inspiration in everyday moments—in conversations, music, family, travel and the audiences who come to the theatre ready to laugh and be part of the story. There's something incredibly motivating about seeing people leave the theatre smiling.
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing Hercules?
More than anything, I hope people leave feeling uplifted. The show is packed with laughter, incredible music and spectacular moments, but underneath it all is a message that your worth isn't defined by perfection or by what other people expect of you. Kindness, courage and believing in yourself are what truly make someone heroic. If people leave smiling, humming the songs and feeling a little more hopeful than when they arrived, then I think we've done exactly what theatre is meant to do.
Disney's Hercules runs at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane until Saturday 5th September 2026. For tickets and more information visit https://www.herculesthemusical.co.uk/
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| Photo by Johan Persson. |
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