Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL - HOME Manchester (11/02/26)

Punchy pop-rock musical brings Greek myth to life with electric zeal

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For over two decades now, Percy Jackson has been thrilling young people the world over, with Rick Riordan's first novel "The Lightning Thief" having been released in 2005, and since then Percy has, if you'll pardon the pun, taken the world by storm. It is no surprise, then, that only nine years after its initial publication, a stage musical based on the first book materialised, courtesy of composer Rob Rokicki and playwright Joe Tracz. And contrary to the rather tempestuous reception the show received in North America, it would seem British audiences have taken to the son of Poseidon like...well, the god of the sea to water.

Percy is a 16-year-old like none other, after being booted out of six schools in as many years, he believes it is his ADHD and dyslexia that have compressed his academic and social progress. That is until he learns that he's no ordinary Long Island teenager, in fact his father is one of the gods of the Greek olympiad. You know, the ones you learned about in school and likely forgot about after you left? After attending "camp half-blood", he joins forces with childhood best friend Grover and new accomplice Annabeth on a quest to retrieve Zeus' lightning, and prevent a war between the gods from taking place.

The company of "The Lightning Thief" (credit: Johan Persson)

What is perhaps unexpected is just how much fun we experience with this musical, as although there are about as many potential interpretations of stories from ancient Greece as there are people who have read them, there is often an air of imperiousness and solemnity when it comes to the gods and goddesses. So the moment we see god of wine, fertility and drama Dionysus enter as a disgruntled, suit-clad camp counsellor, we understand very well that this is Greek mythology but not as we know it. There is a self-aware silliness about the whole piece, and this extends beyond the wacky, caricaturish portrayals of the various mythological figures.

Joe Tracz’ script, adapted from Riordan’s original book, has clearly kept the breadth of the original lore central to proceedings. There are plenty of subtle and not so subtle nods to ancient Greek myth scattered throughout, from lesser known gods and their backgrounds, to tales from the Odyssey, in which the aficionado can revel, but also from which the novice can learn a great deal. It’s a brilliant balance between being educational and engaging, and there is something to enjoy for everyone. The real draw with this musical though is Rob Rokicki’s driving pop-rock score, simply fizzing with character, as we’re treated to banger Andrew banger.

Leading the charge as our titular demigod is Vasco Emauz, who brings bags of angst and swagger to the role of Percy, as well as thundering, powerful vocals to match, especially in his character defining solo track “Good Kid”, during which he commands that stage like Poseidon commands the oceans. Best friend and Grover was played in this performance by understudy Alex Anderton, showing absolutely every sign that this is his role, and his rendition of “Drive” in particular damn near took the roof off.

Simone Robinson and Vasco Emauz (credit: Johan Persson)

There was no shortage of terrific portrayals, especially when it came to multiroling; Niall Sheehy showed marvellous range as metalhead Hades and surfer dude Poseidon among others, and Ellie Grace Cousins was always deliciously funny in her various roles, with wailing vocals reminiscent of rock legend Janis Joplin. The pick of the day though was undoubtedly the assured, headstrong performance of Kayna Montecillo as goddess of wisdom Athena’s daughter Annabeth. Fresh off her professional debut in "Starlight Express", she absolutely tore that stage apart, giving arguably the strongest vocal performance of the night, but also displayed her softer, more vulnerable side quite beautifully; clearly Montecillo has shown that she means business.

After her roaring success with "Ride The Cyclone", director/choreographer Lizzi Gee has done it again, with a splendidly inventive array of visual elements, Ryan Dawson Laight's industrial, versatile sets combining terrifically with some impressive, vivid lighting and video design by Tim Deiling and Matt Powell respectively. Whether or not you're a fan of the books, this musical has so much to love, from its high octane rock score, to the plethora of references to Greek myth, and vocal performances that will send shockwaves through your entire being. "The Lightning Thief" is a rollicking, electrifying thrill ride that will excite, energise and amuse you, and also may well touch your heart.

★★★★☆ (4*)

"The Lightning Thief" runs at HOME Manchester until the 21st of February (tickets)

{PR/Gifted ticket}