Theatre Royal Brighton – 30th September – 4th October 2025
4 stars
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical brings Rick Riordan’s modern mythos to the stage with a vibrant, youthful energy. The story follows Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary teenager whose life is upended when he discovers he’s a demigod. The musical is a whirlwind of monsters, gods and an urgent quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt before it sparks a war among the Olympians.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its approach to character. The cast bring real vitality to the show. Vasco Emauz makes a strong leading man as Percy, balancing teenage awkwardness with grit and delivering vocals that are both powerful and heartfelt. Cahir O’Neill shines as Grover, his warmth and humour matched by soaring vocals that make the character’s loyalty ring true. Kayna Montecillo is a fiery Annabeth, sharp and determined with an impressive stage presence. Together, the trio share an engaging chemistry that anchors the story.
The supporting players are equally strong. Simone Robinson brings depth and stunning vocals to Sally Jackson and other roles, while Niall Sheehy shows great versatility as Mr Brunner and beyond, switching from comedy to gravitas with ease. The ensemble’s quick shifts between gods, mortals and monsters add energy and texture, keeping the production in constant motion.
Visually, the production is inventive. The set relies on clever use of light, projection and adaptable props to conjure a variety of locations, from Camp Half-Blood to the Underworld. Simple touches, like the transformation of Percy’s pen into a sword, are handled with charm and ingenuity, giving the sense of magic without relying on elaborate spectacle.
Musically, the show leans into a contemporary pop rock sound that captures teenage angst and exhilaration, even if not every song is instantly memorable. Standout numbers allow the cast to display their vocal range and emotional depth, while the faster, plot-driven songs keep the story moving with momentum and drive. The rhythm of the musical mirrors the chaotic and unpredictable world Percy inhabits, with peaks of excitement and quieter moments of introspection balanced neatly throughout.
The pacing, however, can be uneven. The first act unfolds steadily, giving characters room to breathe and relationships time to develop. By the second act, the narrative accelerates to accommodate the novel’s sprawling plot, which can leave some story beats feeling slightly rushed. For those unfamiliar with the source material, a few plot points may seem abrupt or underexplored. Yet for fans, the familiarity of the story provides enough context to enjoy the whirlwind journey.
Ultimately, The Lightning Thief musical works because it captures the heart of Percy Jackson’s world: adventure, humour and the challenges of growing up different. While it occasionally races through its story, the combination of engaging performances, fantastic vocals, inventive staging and a lively musical score ensures a thoroughly entertaining evening. The production may not strike like a bolt of lightning every moment, but it certainly leaves a lasting spark.
