We attended the press night of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical last night, and the show is in Milton Keynes until Sunday 7th September.
The story follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who always feels like he doesn’t quite fit in. When he discovers he’s actually a demigod – the son of Poseidon – his world is turned upside down. Accused of stealing Zeus’ all-powerful lightning bolt, Percy is thrust into a dangerous quest across America to clear his name, prevent a devastating war between the gods, and uncover where he truly belongs. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, he battles monsters, faces betrayals, and learns what it really means to be a hero. It’s an epic coming-of-age tale wrapped up in Greek mythology, family struggles, humour and heart.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is brought to life by a dynamic creative team who capture the energy and wit of Rick Riordan’s much-loved novel. The book is adapted by Joe Tracz, with an original score and lyrics by Rob Rokicki that fuse rock influences with heartfelt ballads to reflect Percy’s thrilling journey. At the helm is Lizzie Gee, serving as both director and choreographer, whose inventive staging and movement bring a fresh, contemporary edge to the production while keeping the storytelling front and centre. Together, the creatives balance humour, heart, and high-octane adventure, making the show an electrifying experience for fans and newcomers alike.
The cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical deliver standout performances that bring the beloved characters to life with energy and charm. Vasco Emauz shines in the lead role of Percy Jackson, capturing both the character’s vulnerability and rebellious spirit. His vocals are consistently strong, carrying the rock-inspired score with ease and adding real depth to Percy’s emotional journey. Alongside him, Kayna Montecillo gives a stunning performance as Annabeth, embodying the strength, intelligence, and determination that make her such a fan favourite. Completing the central trio, Cahir O’Neill delights as Grover, balancing humour and warmth as Percy’s loyal, much-loved best friend. The chemistry between the three is undeniable, and together they anchor the show’s adventurous heart as their quest builds towards its dramatic peak.
Equally impressive is Simone Robinson, who dazzles in the role of Sally Jackson, Percy’s devoted mother. Not only does she deliver a heartfelt performance in this role, but she also demonstrates incredible versatility by taking on multiple characters throughout the production. Her ability to seamlessly shift from one persona to another adds an extra layer of fun and surprise, showcasing a remarkable range of talent. The entire cast bring boundless energy and commitment to the stage, ensuring that every moment bursts with life, humour, and emotion. Their collective performance makes this production an exhilarating experience from start to finish.
The set makes clever use of a flexible design that shifts seamlessly from camp to quest, with bold visuals that really bring the world of Percy Jackson to life. Lighting is used to great effect, adding atmosphere and tension to the action while keeping the pace energetic. The rock-inspired score, performed with huge energy, injects the story with youthful spirit and keeps the audience hooked throughout. Costumes strike the perfect balance between contemporary and mythical, giving each character their own unique look while still feeling grounded in the world of today.
Altogether, The Lightning Thief is a fast-paced, fun, and brilliantly put-together production that will thrill fans of the books and newcomers alike. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was watching at the start, not knowing the story, having never read the book or watched the film. But it didn’t take long before I was swept up in the adventure, thanks to the energy of the cast, the clever storytelling, and the infectious score.
This musical already has a huge following, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a die-hard Percy Jackson reader or simply love an exciting night at the theatre, this is a show you absolutely must go and see before it leaves Milton Keynes. With its mix of humour, heart, and high-octane action, it’s a production that truly captures the spirit of a quest worth taking.
