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The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical - Review and Interview
Bringing Olympian Energy To Audiences At Milton Keynes Theatre This September
The quest is about to begin with the first-ever UK tour of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, which comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Wed 3 – Sun 7 Sep.
Watch our interview with Simone Robinson who plays Mrs Jackson
Simon from Early Morning Breakast saw it and said
Review: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Milton Keynes Theatre
Tonight's performance of The Lightning Thief at Milton Keynes Theatre was a high-energy journey into the world of Greek demigods, delivered with a charming, almost collegiate spirit. The production, while at times feeling more like a polished end-of-year showcase than a full-scale West End transfer, has a heart that is impossible to deny and a visual flair that truly sets it apart.
The core of this show's success rests firmly on the shoulders of its trio of young heroes. Vasco Emauz as Percy Jackson is a revelation. His vocal performance is simply outstanding, carrying the audience through the emotional highs and lows of a boy who discovers his world is a lot more complicated than he ever imagined. Emauz has an innate ability to hold the narrative together, ensuring we remain invested in Percy's quest even as the plot zips along. He is a truly magnetic presence.
He is well-matched by Kayna Montecillo as the formidable Annabeth. Her portrayal is of a character who is sharp, intelligent, and a fierce friend, providing a vital anchor of strength to the group. Cahir O’Neill's Grover is equally compelling, bringing a wonderful sense of warmth and camaraderie to the stage. The dynamic between the three is a delight to watch and feels genuinely authentic.
The show's staging and technical elements are where it truly shines. The lighting design is nothing short of outstanding, using visual effects to create a dynamic and immersive world of gods and monsters. This visual ingenuity, combined with a brilliantly designed set, turns a bus ride, a train journey, or a tractor escape into a spectacle. The design team has done an extraordinary job of making a world of myth and magic feel tangible and exciting.
My one major reservation is the show's fluctuating tone. While it lands some genuinely funny moments, it often seems to forget its own humour, choosing instead to remain "steady" rather than leaning into the outlandish fun that the source material, and some of the more over-the-top characters like the Minotaur, could allow for. This production feels like it's holding back, when a more bold and uninhibited approach could truly elevate it from enjoyable to unforgettable.
Fans of the books and films may find this stage adaptation takes a different route, but for a younger audience, this is a perfect introduction to live theatre. It is a show that celebrates what makes us different and finds strength in those quirks. The Lightning Thief is a fast-paced and fun-filled romp that, thanks to some stunning visuals and an astonishing lead performance, proves that even demigods need a little help from their friends.
Get ready, demigods! The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is set to embark on an electrifying UK tour this autumn, bringing the hit stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel to audiences across the country. The tour will come to Milton Keynes Theatre from Wed 3 – Sun 7 Sep.
Leading the charge (and wielding the lightning bolt!) is Vasco Emauz (Back To The Future: The Musical) as the one and only Percy Jackson, joined by Kayna Montecillo (Starlight Express) as the wise and fearless Annabeth, and Cahir O’Neill ([title of show]) as everyone's favourite satyr sidekick, Grover.
They will be joined by Simone Robinson (Coming to England) as Sally Jackson, Niall Sheehy (Miss Saigon) as Mr Bruner, Aidan Cutler (Back to the Future: The Musical) as Mr D, Ellie-Grace Cousins (Mamma Mia!) as Clarisse, Paolo Micallef (who was cast following open auditions) as Luke with Alex Anderton (making his professional stage debut), Abe Armitage (The Wizard of Oz), Joseph Connor (Sister Act), Ellouise Delooze (making her professional stage debut), Becca Francis (Iolanthe at ENO) and Amy McEvoy (making her professional stage debut) as the ensemble, Camp Half-Blood is officially open for more adventures!
Paul Taylor-Mills (Producer) said: “We’re thrilled to bring Percy Jackson’s epic journey to more UK audiences following the success we’ve had in London. This show is full of energy, humour, and heart—whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Camp Half-Blood, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.”
Based on the beloved book series (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), Percy Jackson’s story has been adapted into both films and a major hit TV series for Disney+. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, another off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019. The Lightning Thief made waves in the West End during its critically acclaimed, record-breaking run at The Other Palace.
When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.
With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.
The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.
This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight (Burlesque), lighting design by Tim Deiling (SIX), sound design by Dan Samson (Heathers The Musical), video design by Matt Powell (Chess), musical supervision is by Jeremy Wootton (Heathers The Musical) with musical direction by Will Joy (Cruel Intentions – The 90s Musical), illusions by Richard Pinner (Ghost) and fight direction by Lisa Connell (Heathers). Associate Director & Choreographer is Libby Watts (Wicked) and Associate Set & Costume Designer is Christophe Eynde (Your Lie In April).
Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes