Book: Joe Tracz
Music and Lyrics: Rob Rokicki
Director: Lizzi Gee
Prepare to be shocked by Percy Jackson’s electrifying entrance to British theatre in The Lightning Thief. Rob Rokicki’s mythological musical based on Rick Riordan’s beloved bildungsroman crosses the ocean and makes a splash at The Other Palace.
Percy Jackson is no ordinary awkward teenager (unbeknownst to him), though he does have ordinary problems. His ADHD and dyslexia only complicate his life, already haunted by an absent father and a smelly stepdad. His academic rep isn’t much better, as the expulsive boot has landed him in his sixth school in as many years. Then, when a field trip to the Met goes off the rails, Percy (Max Harwood) finds himself face to face with Fate, a winged terror from Greek mythos. Quick! His teacher, Mr. Brunner (Greg Barnett), throws a pen that morphs into a sword before it enters Percy’s grasp, just in time to vanquish the beast. Is this real? Mr. Brunner says no, and Percy is reluctantly expelled again.
Visions of an abstract metal Minotaur and Hawaiian-shirted seer populate Percy’s next hours until he falls unconscious. He comes to in Camp Half-Blood, greeted by an abrasive Dionysus, “Mr. D” (Joe Allen). Half-god, half-mortal, all of the camp’s members share a parental connection to a Greek god. Mr. Brunner is in residence among others from Percy’s past life, but a half-horse teacher and half-goat best friend don’t exactly make his new reality any easier.
As he puzzles over the identity of his godly father, Percy is thrown into a game of capture the flag. Annabeth (Jessica Lee), Athena’s witty daughter, and Grover (Scott Folan), Percy’s best friend-turned-faun, join forces against Odyssean opposition in perhaps the highlight of the entire performance. Creative fight choreography and funny gimmicks visually accompany unreal vocals from Ares’ soldier-child Clarisse, played by Samantha Mbolekwa. Across her several distinct roles throughout Percy’s quest, Mbolekwa’s performances are vocal and physical perfection, as epic as their mythological roots.
To save his mother and absolve his father, Percy and company begin a lengthy and treacherous journey to the Underworld, cleverly set in Los Angeles. The story beats, in their attempt to accurately reflect the source material, also take on the same pitfalls. Though true to the adolescent original series, Joe Tracz’s book can sometimes feel a bit juvenile or on-the-nose for an audience of all ages. However, also like the seminal text, the noble message of embracing one’s disabilities to see them as gifts rings as true as ever and pierces hearts throughout the audience.
Fortunately, masterful music by Rob Rokicki and pitch-perfect performances across the board strengthen an adolescent story. Hit after Rock hit is sung by a euphonious ensemble, some members playing three or more roles. Max Harwood’s Percy sings as he speaks, with a tremulous vibrato as unsure as the character is of his newfound power. Harwood truly makes the character his own – a characteristic so important when playing a relatable role like Percy Jackson.
A humble arsenal of ambitious props and set pieces is deployed carefully. What it lacks in excess, it makes up for in efficacy. Percy’s pen-sword is amazing every time it magically transforms, and the use of a real fire adds the perfect ambience to the folksy Campfire Song. The greater set of industrial beams and LED lights ages the show up a bit, complete with a rare occurrence: tasteful projection that feels intentional rather than cheap.
Challenges to appeal to older audiences mustn’t overshadow the greatness of director Lizzi Gee’s The Lightning Thief. The Percy Jackson series is a staple among childhoods worldwide, and the musical is sure to be a delight to present and past readers alike. Setting, acting, and, above all, stunning vocals make the Other Palace a necessary destination during this run. High theatre critics may roll their eyes, but masterful music and a poignant self-assuring message set The Lightning Thief up for a very likely West End transfer. To those “too old” for Percy Jackson, the titular hero says this: Bring on the monsters.
Runs until 2 March 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Epic Splash-Hit
