The demigods have officially taken over The Other Palace with the electrifying new musical ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’. Based on Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, with a script by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, this production has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the series.
Percy Jackson has always felt out of place, labeled as “trouble” by every school that has expelled him. But when he learns the truth about his identity, his world changes forever: Percy is a half-blood—half mortal, half god, and the son of Poseidon, one of the powerful Big Three gods. Sent to Camp Half-Blood, a refuge for demigods, Percy is thrust into a high-stakes quest with his newfound friends. Their mission? To retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt from their prime suspect, Hades, and prevent an all-out war between the gods that could destroy the world.
Max Harwood shines as 16-year-old Percy, bringing the character to life with boundless energy, endearing charm, and a vulnerability that makes his journey deeply relatable. Scott Folan is equally outstanding as Grover, Percy’s loyal and goofy best friend, whose humour and heart consistently light up the stage. Jessica Lee is a powerhouse as Annabeth, the strong-willed daughter of Athena who yearns to prove herself to her mother. Her performance is commanding yet relatable, resonating with anyone who has ever sought parental approval.
Beyond the core trio, the show features a variety of memorable and dynamic characters who enrich the story and propel the quest forward. Paisley Billings, Greg Barnett, Joe Allen, Samantha Mbolekwa, and Joaquin Pedro Valdes bring incredible versatility and boundless talent to their roles, seamlessly switching between multiple characters. Their performances create a vibrant world full of humour, drama, and mythological magic, and I was consistently impressed by the raw talent on display.
As is fitting for a world of magic and mythology, the props, set design, and lighting are exceptional. Together, they seamlessly transport the audience from the mortal realm to the domain of the gods. Clever staging and inventive use of props create dazzling moments of “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” magic, leaving the audience in awe of the production’s ingenuity.
The music is as diverse as the story itself, with rock-driven anthems that capture the characters’ determination, balanced by beautiful ballads that ground the emotional moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of musical styles featured throughout the show.
The audience was a mix of die-hard Percy Jackson fans, decked out in merchandise and clutching copies of the books, and newcomers like me, with only a passing knowledge of Greek mythology. While the production stands strong on its own, first-timers may benefit from glancing at the programme’s handy bios of the gods to better grasp the story’s mythological depth.
While I suspect that fans of the source material may connect even more deeply with the show’s many layers, the exceptional production value and standout performances earn this musical 4 stars in my book. It left me eager to see what adventures Percy and his friends will face next summer at Camp Half-Blood, hoping that the success of this show will lead to a continuation of Percy’s story on stage.
Whether you’re a fan of the books, the films, or completely new to the world of Percy Jackson, this musical is one to add to your list. It’s a thrilling, heartfelt experience that captures the magic of mythology, the challenges of growing up, and the universal desire to make our parents proud. Don’t miss ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’—it’s currently booking until March 2, 2025!
Sounds and Stage
