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The much-anticipated stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s beloved Percy Jackson series has stormed into Stoke’s Regent Theatre following a record-breaking London run – and it’s a track-packed, family-friendly adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The Percy Jackson franchise emerged in 2005 as a best-selling series of books, followed by two incredible films and a Disney TV series. Adapted by Joe Tracz with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, this rock musical captures the spirit of the debut book while delivering some huge musical theatre moments.
Vasco Emaüz steps on stage as teenage misfit Percy Jackson – a ‘good kid’ who can’t seem to fit in, having been expelled from multiple schools. His portrayal is both energetic and charming, making Percy a protagonist we can root for, which makes his journey from vulnerable highschooler to half-blood hero all the more heartfelt. His expressive vocals shine throughout the night, especially in the standout numbers “The Day I Got Expelled”, “Son Of Poseidon” and “The Last Day of Summer”.
Joining him are Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth and Cahir O’Neill as Grover, completing the iconic trio with warmth and humour. Seeing the three of them on stage beside one another, it would be easy to make comparisons to the Harry Potter franchise, but the Percy Jackson universe is one that holds its own.
Cahir brings heaps of humour and heart to his role, while Kayna impresses with powerhouse vocals and harmonies with a commanding stage presence. For me, the strength of the female characters in this show was brilliant, from Annabeth’s intelligence to Clarisse’s (played by Ellie-Grace Cousins) attitude – I particularly loved the ‘capture the flag’ scene, with wonderfully choreographed combat, in which both women shone.
A special mention must go to Simone Robinson, who, as well as playing Percy’s mum, Sally Jackson, portrays a wealth of characters from Medusa to Charon, lending the production a touch of soul. Her voice is rich and warm, anchoring some of the show’s more emotional moments beautifully, especially in “Strong”, while bringing infectious upbeat energy to “D.O.A.”
Visually, the production is resourceful and clever. The costume design is sharp and imaginative, and the versatile set transforms swiftly from Camp Half-Blood to cross-country quest locations.
As for the score, the early 2000s influences will no doubt be recognisable to those who grew up in the MTV-era. A live band, mostly tucked away above the set, drives the whole evening through 22 numbers, with favourites including “Another Terrible Day”, “Drive” and “Bring On The Monsters”.
Another thing I loved about The Lightning Thief was the variety of ages it brought in. I’m a big fan of anything that gets younger audiences into auditoriums, and while it’s perhaps a little cheesy as a result, that’s part of the charm. It’s a great introduction to musicals for pre-teens, with my 10-year-old niece having been thrilled by the production. The musical manages not only to weave in lessons about identity, destiny and belonging, but also sneaks in a mythology lesson or two – and I do love leaving the theatre feeling more knowledgeable than when I arrived (see also, Six and & Juliet).
Overall, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a thunderous stage show with a fantastic cast, fun tracks and vibrant performances. Whether you’re a die-hard Percy Jackson fan or are just discovering Camp Half-Blood for the first time, this one is a quest well worth joining. Catch it at The Regent Theatre this week until Saturday, October 11.
