Book: Joe Tracz
Music and Lyrics: Rob Rokicki
Director: Lizzi Gee
Anyone who lives with a teenager will know the magnetic pull of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson saga—a modern rite of passage that has found its way into bedrooms and living rooms through books, films, and TV adaptations alike. At the heart of it all lies Camp Half-Blood, where ordinary lives are upended by the discovery of extraordinary heritage. Percy Jackson, propelled by the revelation that he is a demigod, embarks on a dangerous quest into the depths of the underworld: a journey driven by the urgent hope of rescuing his mother and unravelling a cosmic mystery. The question lingers—will Percy’s courage and wit be enough to triumph over the gods’ challenges?
The journey of The Lightning Thief musical mirrors Percy’s own epic path, beginning with modest ambitions off-Broadway before ascending to the bright lights of London’s West End and now embarking on a vibrant tour across the UK. Central to its success is the classic ‘golden trio’ trope: the courageous, big-hearted hero; the steadfast friend who offers salvation; and the overachieving, sometimes exasperating, female companion who insists on joining the adventure. In this production, Vasco Emauz, Cahir O’Neill, and Kayna Montecillo bring these roles to life with a buoyant, almost cartoonish chemistry that infuses every scene with energy and charm. Their collective presence is magnetic—each a powerhouse triple threat, singing, dancing, and acting with such infectious enthusiasm that even those unfamiliar with the Percy Jackson universe find themselves swept into the story’s current. The trio’s dynamic interplay forms the beating heart of the musical, their camaraderie and charisma propelling the show relentlessly forward, ensuring a magical experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Yet what truly elevates this production is the dynamic interplay not only among the central trio but a kaleidoscopic cast of monsters, teachers, mythical beasts, and larger-than-life campmates. The narrative’s vastness is vividly embodied by an ensemble which embraces a relentless succession of character transformations—each switch executed with infectious gusto. This ever-shifting parade is a spectacle in itself, with Ellie-Grace Cousins, Aiden Cutler, and Simone Robinson delivering especially memorable turns amid the whirlwind. Talent courses through the production like a golden thread, shimmering in every scene. Under Lizzi Gee’s taut direction and explosive choreography, the pace never falters, carrying the audience through a world that is at once frenetic and finely tuned. The result is a show that’s not only electrifying but also a testament to the raw ability and wholehearted commitment of its entire cast.
Integral to the show’s ingenuity is the way Lizzi Gee’s choreography interacts with Ryan Dawson Laight’s versatile industrial set, transforming it from mere scenery into an active participant in the story’s unfolding geography. The set’s modular design, reminiscent of interlocking water pipes, slides, pops, and reconfigures to conjure an array of imaginative locations: bustling city streets, mythical venues, and everyday vehicles all emerge from its clever arrangement. At times, the set evokes iconic imagery from the books, such as the omnipresent cup, grounding the production in its literary roots while propelling the action with physical dynamism. This kinetic environment is further elevated by the dazzling lighting and projection artistry of Tim Deiling and Matt Powell, whose work seamlessly complements the playful props and brings Riordan’s expansive universe to vivid, animated life. The result is a show as entertaining as it is slick—a testament to the creative team’s ability to conjure epic worlds within the intimate confines of the stage.
What binds all these elements together is a musical score that serves as the emotional and narrative engine of the show. The music’s versatility is striking, from the folksy warmth and communal spirit of the Campfire Song, through the powerful, lingering poignance of O’Neill’s performance in The Tree on The Hill, to the pop-rock, adrenaline-fueled rush of Drive. Each number is an expressive force in its own right, propelling the story forward and deepening the audience’s connection to the characters’ journeys. The songs are more than mere interludes; they become the means by which the cast transforms myth into shared experience, inviting the audience to join their odyssey both musically and emotionally.
As a family night out, this show is a triumph, crackling with all the ingredients teenagers crave: raw angst, pulse-quickening adventure, and just the right dash of mild peril. While the sheer scope and magic of Percy Jackson’s universe sometimes strains against the boundaries of a two-hour performance, resulting in a conclusion that feels a touch hurried and formulaic, the musical’s exuberance and heart win the day. For families and fans alike, it’s a highly recommended journey into myth and modernity, sure to spark conversation long after the final curtain falls.
Runs until 6 September 2025 and on tour
