Review: The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical (New Wimbledon Theatre / UK Tour)

Review by Rosie Holmes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a successful run in New York and a short London stint, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical now embarks on a tour, bringing demi-gods, monsters, and teenage drama to theatres all over the UK - this week returning to London for a stint at New Wimbledon Theatre. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first Percy Jackson novel, this musical is a fast-paced, mythology-infused adventure that’s a real treat for half-term theatregoers.

As someone who walked into the theatre with zero Percy Jackson knowledge, having never read the books or seen the films before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My companion, however, is a long-time fan of the series, and judging by the thunderous cheers that greeted Percy’s entrance, so were many in the audience. It was heartwarming to see young fans so excited to see their hero brought to life, and even more impressive that the show managed to win me over as a complete newcomer.

The story follows Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary American teenager who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon. After being sent to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for the children of Greek gods, he meets Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr and loyal friend. Together, they embark on a quest to retrieve Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. It’s a lot to pack into a two-hour musical, and while the plot occasionally takes a backseat to the songs, the energy certainly never dips with the cast giving their all throughout amongst fight scenes, and some big dance numbers.

Vasco Emauz stars as the titular Percy Jackson, leading the cast with confidence and charisma. Bringing just the right mix of vulnerability and heroism to the role, he also demonstrates some of the most standout vocals of the night. Cahir O’Neil is excellent as Grover, delivering comic relief and great chemistry with both Emauz and Kayna Montecilo, who plays Annabeth with strength and warmth. The trio are easy to root for, and their bond and vulnerabilities gives the show its emotional centre.

The cast overall are vocally impressive, with the ensemble getting moments to shine in the group numbers. Rob Rokicki’s score is energetic and varied, taking inspiration from early 2000’s bands. While not every song is instantly memorable, I did find myself bobbing along to quite a few and humming them on the train home. Highlights included ‘The Campfire Song’, capturing teenage angst with wit and energy, and ‘The Tree on the Hill’, a slower, more poignant moment that adds emotional depth and showcases the cast’s vocal talents.

Visually, the production is inventive and full of clever touches with Ryan Dawson Laight’s costume design and Tim Deling’s lighting creating some delightful stage moments. The staging of the Minotaur attack is particularly clever, and Hermes’ floating shoes drew audible gasps from the younger audience members. It’s clear the creative team have worked hard to make the show magical for families, and it pays off.

One of the most touching aspects of the show is how it reframes Percy’s ADHD and dyslexia as heroic traits. It’s a powerful message for young audiences, and it’s woven into the narrative with care. It was lovely to see the audience of excited children so engaged with the story and characters, particularly when an important message is played out.

If there is a weakness, it’s in the balance between plot and music. As someone unfamiliar with the source material, I occasionally found the storyline hard to follow, with songs sometimes overshadowing key plot points. The ending also felt slightly anticlimactic, especially after some of the bigger action sequences earlier in the show, only for the ending of the quest to feel rushed and unsatisfying without a grand finale. 

Still, The Lightning Thief is a fun, family-friendly musical that offers a fresh take on Greek mythology and celebrates bravery, friendship, and being different. With a talented cast and plenty of theatrical magic, it’s a great night out for families and young theatre-goers. 

The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until 1^st November, and continues its tour until March 2026.

Dates and tickets at https://percyjacksonmusical.com/uk-tour/