Like Camp Half-Blood itself, this show offers an unforgettable escape filled with friendship, unity, and a world where everyone can be a hero."
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
The Other Palace
The Lightning Thief the Percy Jackson Musical based on Rick Riordan’s beloved novel of the same name, finds its perfect home on the intimate stage of The Other Palace. This fantastically staged production knows exactly what it’s aiming for: a heartfelt, high-energy story for fans of the books, young theatergoers, and anyone seeking an escapist evening of fun. It’s not a transformative piece of theatre but it never tries to be. Instead, it’s a faithful, joyfully chaotic adaptation that delivers a thoroughly entertaining experience.
The musical, with a book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, condenses the sprawling first book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series into a fast-paced two-hour show. Percy Jackson, a seemingly average teenager, discovers he’s the demigod son of Poseidon. Alongside his best friend Grover and fellow camper Annabeth, he embarks on a quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, battling monsters and confronting his insecurities along the way. Themes of friendship, belonging, and overcoming personal challenges echo throughout, resonating especially with anyone navigating the struggles of growing up.
The standout performances begin with Max Harwood as Percy Jackson. Harwood, known for his starring role as Jamie New in the movie version of Everybody's Talking About Jamie and his recent role in Stranger Things once again demonstrates why he’s a star on the rise. I was lucky enough to see Max's debut as Melchior in Spring Awakening and I knew great things were on the horizon for him so it's so wonderful to see him leading this show with such brilliance. His strong, healthy vocals handle Rokicki’s rock-influenced score with confidence, while his physicality and emotional depth ground Percy’s journey in authenticity. Harwood’s Percy is funny, flawed, and fiercely relatable- a hero in trainers we can all root for. Watching him embody the sarcastic yet earnest demigod is an absolute treat, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young performers on the stage today.
Mirroring Percy’s charm are Jessica Lee as Annabeth Chase and Scott Folan as Grover. Jessica brings a sharp wit and determined energy to Annabeth, perfectly capturing the daughter of Athena’s intellect and drive. Her duet with Harwood, 'My Grand Plan', is both heartfelt and empowering. Scott, meanwhile, is utterly delightful as Grover, mixing lovely comedic timing with moments of vulnerability that bring the satyr’s loyalty to life.
The ensemble shines, masterfully multi-rolling through a colourful array of characters, from meddling gods to fearsome monsters. Their quick changes and distinct characterisations are a testament to their talent and energy. Whether it’s a eye-dangling Fury or a groovy Poseidon, the ensemble brings Riordan’s mythological world vividly to life.
The creative team deserves immense credit for transforming the small stage of The Other Palace into a dynamic playground of gods and monsters. Charlie Morgan Jones’s vibrant lighting design and Duncan McLean’s imaginative projections work in tandem to expand the space, while clever touches- like bubbles to suggest underwater scenes- immerse the audience in Percy’s world.
The musical’s ability to nod to large-scale moments from the book (like the showdown with Ares) without overcomplicating them is a smart move by director Lizzi Gee. By focusing on character and humour rather than spectacle, the adaptation avoids the pitfalls of feeling overly ambitious.
Rob Rokicki’s score is an infectious blend of rock and pop that captures the angst and excitement of Percy’s story. Songs like 'Good Kid' and 'The Tree on the Hill' resonate emotionally, while the humorous numbers like 'D.O.A.' provide laugh-out-loud moments. That said, at times, the sound mix leaned too heavily on volume, making some lyrics difficult to catch- a minor issue in an otherwise great production.
The Lightning Thief thrives because it knows its audience. It’s not here to change the world- it’s here to celebrate it, offering fans of Riordan’s books and newcomers alike a chance to step into a world of camaraderie and mythological mischief. The Other Palace, with its cosy yet versatile stage, feels tailor-made for this production, inviting the audience into Camp Half-Blood’s warm embrace.
The musical excels at what it sets out to do: entertain, uplift, and provide a few hours of joyous escapism. With a faithful adaptation, a gifted cast led by the brilliant Max Harwood, and a visually inventive production, it’s a treat for fans and a celebration of the power of storytelling- a monster of a show! Like Percy’s time at Camp Half-Blood, it reminds us that even when life gets messy, friendship and unity can see us through.
★★★★
Reviewed on Thursday 28th November 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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