The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical has stormed into Milton Keynes Theatre with a bolt of energy, humour and heart, delivering a spectacular and uplifting night of theatre. Based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel, this show is more than just a musical – it’s a fast-paced, inspirational tale about identity, friendship, and discovering strength in the very differences that make you stand out.

From the very first number, the production bursts with a quirky spirit and infectious energy. Vasco Emauz shines as Percy Jackson, capturing both the vulnerability and bravery of a teenager who suddenly discovers he is the son of Poseidon. His charisma and comic timing made the audience instantly root for him, and his vocals carried the weight of Percy’s journey with ease.

Kayna Montecillo brought sharp wit and wisdom to Annabeth, balancing Percy’s impulsiveness with intelligence and grit, while Cahir O’Neill as Grover provided warmth, humour, and a huge heart. Together, the trio had an undeniable chemistry, their bond forming the emotional backbone of the story as they embarked on their quest. The way their different strengths combined to overcome obstacles highlighted the show’s central message: embracing who you are is the key to becoming a hero.

The supporting cast brought Camp Half-Blood to life with colour and personality, from Ellie-Grace Cousins’ fiery Clarisse to Simone Robinson’s compassionate Sally Jackson. The ensemble, too, gave the show an unstoppable energy, seamlessly moving between characters and scenes while adding humour and vibrancy.

Visually, the production made clever use of staging and effects. Ryan Dawson Laight’s set and costumes captured the mythical-meets-modern world with style, while Tim Deiling’s lighting and Matt Powell’s video design whisked us into Percy’s larger-than-life adventure. Add to that Rob Rokicki’s catchy rock-inspired score and Lizzi Gee’s slick direction and choreography, and the result was a show that never let the pace drop.

What stood out most, though, was the heart of the story. Beneath the monsters, gods, and quests lies a deeply human message about the pressures of living up to expectations – especially parental ones – and the liberation that comes from embracing your true self. It’s inspirational without being heavy-handed, delivered with warmth, wit and plenty of laughs along the way.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a joyous adventure that appeals to fans of the books, newcomers to the story, and anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in. With its combination of infectious songs, clever storytelling, and a cast brimming with talent and chemistry, it’s a magical, high-voltage night at the theatre that left the audience cheering for more.