I have a BIG confession to make before embarking on this review.
As flashes of electricity resounded throughout a theatre packed with excited pre-teens and parents in the opening countdown, I was oblivious of the enormity of the cult following of Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by author Rick Riordan.

On the positive side, musicals and movies adapted from novels often receive a bad reputation for not staying true to the author’s story. Although not true in this case, my ignorance therefore enabled me to experience The Lightning Thief with an open mind.

The plot centres on Percy Jackson (Vasco Emauz), a New York City teenager, brought up by his mother, Sally, who has been expelled from six schools in six years and is racked with self-doubt.

Percy discovers he is the half-blood son of the tempestuous Greek god, Poseidon, when he finds himself at Camp Half Blood, a combat and survival training facility for children of Greek Gods, known as demi-gods.

As the future of the world hangs in the balance, Percy, a reticent hero, fellow demi-god Annabeth (Kayna Montecillo) and Grover (Cahir O’Neill), a satyr (half human and half goat), embark on a journey fraught with menacing mythical monsters as the eternal battle of good versus evil relentlessly rages.

The emotional chemistry between the talented trio as they doggedly travel thousands of miles to the underworld - watching each other’s backs every step of the way - is inspiring and uplifting.

In the wider context, a sheer powerhouse best describes the combined acting and vocal prowess of the cast in this fast-paced, multi-faceted, rock pop musical.

The actors’ versatility is superb. They include Aidan Cutler (Mr D and others) - whose rendering of Another Terrible Day is knockout along with Simone Robinson (Sally Jackson and others), Ellie-Grace Cousins (Clarisse and others) - and Paolo Micallef (Luke and others).

With fabulous lyrics by Rob Rokicki (my favourite is The Tree On The Hill), the show is magnificently directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee.

The set and costume design, courtesy of Ryan Dawson Laight, are outstanding - from urban backdrops depicting LA street culture to the fiery underworld and mythical monsters including the Minotaur.

Normalising pre-teen and teen anxieties, fears and doubts and conditions (ADHD, dyslexia), the musical portrays Percy as a hero for our times.

Percy Jackson speaks to people who are looking to change the world for the better. The character and the story inspire you to be your best self, to define the things that maybe other people see as different or strange about you and to reframe them as your superpowers.

Having taken Broadway and the West End by storm, The Lightning Thief’s wide-ranging appeal looks set to electrify both newbies and the initiated on its current tour.

The Lightning Thief plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday Aug 31, 2025. Tickets are on sale soon and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
For details of the UK which includes The Alhambra in Braford and Hull New Theatre, visit UK Tour - The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical