The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at the Other Palace

Rick Riordan, the writer of six action-packed novels in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, brings his beloved character to the stage in this exciting musical adaptation. The production began as a 60-minute off-Broadway production in 2014 and has since grown into a full-length show after two successful US tours. Writer Joe Tracz, tasked with adapting the demigod’s story for the stage, explained that his goal was to stay as faithful to the original plot as possible, while bringing Percy’s world to life through music and performance.

The plot, which centres on Percy Jackson’s (Max Harwood) journey to prevent a war among the gods, remains largely intact. Percy embarks on a quest with his friends Annabeth (Jessica Lee) and Grover (Scott  Folan) to retrieve Zeus’s stolen master bolt. Along the way, they face numerous mythical challenges whilst navigating the treacherous path to the Underworld. Alongside this adventure, a coming-of-age story, set against the backdrop of Greek mythology.

It’s been said before, but the show is reminiscent of Steven Levenson’s Dear Evan Hansen, sharing similar tropes of flawed but relatable heroes and underdogs who triumph. It’s impossible not to be reminded of Waving Through a Window when Percy talks about his struggles fitting in, fighting against ADHD and dyslexia, or Anybody Have A Map? as the three adventurers sing “Lost!”, trying to find their way through the woods towards LA. Max Harwood’s anxious fidgeting also emphasises this similarity as he struggles with identity, belonging and a desire for connection, as well as a typically strained teenage-parent relationship. Think of an edgy, Busted-inspired Evan Hansen with more teenage angst and baggier jeans.

There’s a lot of plot to pack in, something even the film only just managed to do. The show is a quest itself, running for two and a half hours (including an interval), but it still feels as though a lot of the plot was glossed over. Although Paisley Billings portrayed a sassy, slithering Medusa, other pit stops, like The Lotus Hotel and Casino, weren’t properly enacted but rather mentioned in passing, which felt like a missed opportunity.

That said, the performance definitely has its standout moments. One such scene is Percy’s welcome into Camp Half-Blood, featuring an epic capture-the-flag battle in which Percy discovers his powers. Clarisse (Samantha Mbolekwa), daughter of the God of War, delivers a fierce Put You in Your Place” followed by the Campfire Song ensemble, as Percy, and the audience, become acquainted with his fellow half-blood campmates and what to expect from his new life as a demigod.

Another memorable moment occurs during the trio’s descent into the Underworld from the DOA (Dead on Arrival) Recording Studios, as they’re greeted by the ferryman of the dead, Charon (Paisley Billings): a groovy soul who introduces them to the musical guests in hell, including Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and a worse-for-wear Mozart.

The use of effects, lighting and sound are crucial in blending the physical world with the fantastical one. Drawing upon all the elements, rain fell, wind howled, thunder and lightning rumbled and crackled, and the earth gave way into the Underworld. The creative use of projections, simple physical costumes and props was also effective in portraying mythical beasts. For example, Mr Brunner’s (Greg Barnett) horse’s ass and Grover’s satyr hooves met with a chuckle from the audience. The musical doesn’t take itself too seriously, with the West-End-worthy soundtrack accompanied by plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour. Greg Barnett’s surfer-dude, wave-riding, ultra-chill Pose’idon and tight leopard-print-wearing Hades, as well as Joe Allen’s “couldn’t care less” Mr D, also provide plenty of laughs.

“Normal is a myth,” and that’s the takeaway from this highly anticipated musical. With its action-packed plot, energetic performances and family-friendly humour, The Lightning Thief is a musical triumph, whilst also allowing itself to be playful and unpretentious.

Olivia Gardener
Photo: Manuel Harlan

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is at the Other Palace from 12^th November 2024 until 2^nd March 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.