Review: The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical (The Other Palace)

Review by Daz Gale

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There’s a new musical making waves at The Other Palace as London finally gets to experience The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Despite Percy’s father being the God of the sea, it has taken ten years for this musical to cross the pond, but let’s put that down to daddy issues. Finally arriving like a bolt from the blue, would this be able to strike gold and prove to be a God among musicals?

Based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling book series, the adventures of Percy Jackson have already been adapted into two movies and a TV series. The musical adaptation premiered in new York in 2014, touring the United States and eventually making it to Broadway in 2019. Taking the story of The Lightning Thief, the first book in the series, it sees our titular hero Percy Jackson find his life turned upside down when he discovers he is the half-blood son of the Greek God Poseidon, discovering a world bigger than he had ever imagined and embarking on a quest that could affect the future of the world.

Tone is everything and your enjoyment of The Lightning Thief will very much depend on how you respond to this iteration of the story. If you are expecting something as dark and serious as the previous adaptations, you may find this musical production slightly jarring. However, if you are up for a novel way of retelling the story, all fairly tongue in cheek, poking fun at elements, you too may find yourself having a lot more fun. I spent the first few minutes wondering exactly what I was watching as it certainly wasn’t what I’d expected, but once I embraced the madness of it all, I found my enjoyment increasing exponentially.

Written by Joe Tracz, the essence of the first story in the Percy Jackson series is still present, but the musical amplifies the funny factor of the story, having cast members ramp up the comedy and creating a show that at times feels oddly reminiscent of a pantomime. This is how they show attempts to cram as much of the story in as possible risking overstuffing it and making it busy but using the humour to show they are self-aware of this fact. Crucially, Tracz’ book is regularly funny with exaggerated versions of characters making this feel more of a parody, while still respectfully telling the story. Though you may not find yourself holding your breath in anticipation of the high stakes as Percy battles a monster, you will find yourself chuckling at the creative ways this fantastical world is realised on stage.

Tracz’ book is accompanied beautifully by Rob Rokicki’s rather kooky music and lyrics. Starting off strong with an addictively catchy and seemingly never-ending prologue, not all musical numbers land as well as they should but when they do, they prove addictive. Highlights include the infectious ‘Good Kid’, the rousing standout ‘D.O.A.’ and epic show closer ‘Bring On The Monsters’. Fans of shows such as Heathers and Be More Chill are bound to fall in love with these musical numbers thanks to their winning combination of musical theatre and pop .

An interesting mix in The Lightning Thief is in its design. Though The Other Palace is a relatively small space, full use has been made of the stage with a stunningly impressive set design by Ryan Dawson Laight. Visually thrilling, it immerses you into the world and sets a high production value before the show has even begun. This makes the contradiction of the comedic props used throughout slightly surprising, but the conflicting tone works in its favour, allowing for the enjoyment of the silliness while never accusing the production of cutting corners.

The strength of the visual elements continues throughout with exquisite lighting design from Charlie Morgan Jones sets the mood throughout, responding to the ever-shifting tone and a gorgeous use of projections from Duncan Mclean ensuring the show is always a feast for the eyes.  There are also some great illusions from Richard Pinner peppered throughout the story, with these elements tying together in key sequence ‘The Tree On The Hill’ to create theatrical magic. Lizzi Gee’s inspired direction ties all these elements together and creates something surprisingly cohesive out of the at times chaotic and absurd aspects. Her choreography also lights up the stage creating some larger than life moments that were a joy to witness.

Max Harwood leads the cast as Percy Jackson in a heroic lead performance that always dominates, even when the action around him threatens to distract. Toeing the line from the reserved unassuming student to the demigod he becomes, at times it feels like Harwood is playing two distinct characters but this works with the changing tone of the writing. Always shining with comedic skills and a perplexed look that speaks to the absurdity of what he has been thrown into, Harwood elevates the role by showcasing his winning vocals in a performance everybody will be talking about…

Scott Folan gives a sweet turn as sidekick and Percy’s best friend Grover in what could be considered one of the two best performance by a goat in a musical currently playing in Victoria (it’s weird that it happened twice, right?) Jessica Lee is stunning in her turn as Annabeth, bringing the house down with an epic performance of musical highlight and her big solo number ‘My Grand Plan’. Another standout belongs to Paisley Billings in a variety of roles that always proves scene-stealing, though it is her performance as Charon and the mesmerising ‘D.O.A.’ that may be the best sequence of the entire show. Other highlights in the consistently strong cast are an underused but always amazing Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Luke and a brilliantly over the top and hilarious performance from Joe Allen as Mr D.

A story as big as The Lightning Thief may need a much grander scale to be played out to match its epicness. However, the way The Other Palace approach it for this intimate production is admirable – still ensuring a great retelling of the story while always having a knowing wink visible to the audience. Bordering close to parody and even panto territory, it still proves to be a great musical overall, though some may long for it to be a tad more serious at times. If you go in ready to embrace the madness of it all and prepare to have fun, you will get so much more out of it and I came out of that theatre ready to battle a barrage of monsters… but that’s enough about my tube journey home. Having wowed audiences at The Other Palace with the amazing Babies earlier this year, lightning has well and truly struck twice at that theatre in another winning production for them that could even be described as a gift from the Gods.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical plays at The Other Palace until 2nd March 2025. Tickets available here

Photos by Manuel Harlan