Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief: The Other Palace, London
23rd March 2025
★★★★
Based on the hit novel by Rick Riordan and the 2010 film, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is impressing audiences at The Other Palace after successful runs on Broadway and a US National Tour. The show follows New York City teenager, Percy Jackson, as he discovers that he’s the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon. In this action packed story Percy goes on a quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods.
Morgan Gregory portrays Percy really well, managing to make him relatable and his strong vocals show real emotion in a subtle way. Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly and Angus Benstead make up the trio sent out on Percy’s heroic quest well and during the second act their friendship really comes through. Paisley Billings and Kenedy Small both steal the show numerous times with their impressive range of characters and superb, powerful vocals. Another audience favourite is Joshua Lay as Mr D, bringing the comic element to the show. All of the cast work hard and perform well but the ensemble cast members could perhaps be utilised more often.
The story can be a little confusing for those who haven’t read the books or seen the film, but the script does a good job of explaining the action onstage. It is a hard task to try and incorporate all of the story into just 2 hours but the book by Joe Tracz, along with score by Rob Rokicki, manages to cram a lot into this action-packed show. It is perfectly aimed at families and younger audience members due to the quick pace and could be a perfect first musical. The set by Ryan Dawson Laight is multi-levelled and makes the most of two moveable set pieces to create different locations. The idea to keep the set relatively simple works really well to maximise the space onstage and allow for all of the action to take place. The rusted backdrop also ties in well with the clash of the different elements and elemental Gods. The costumes continue this watery theme and work well for all of the cast, bringing the Ancient Greek Gods into the 21st Century.
The music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, manages to mix styles and genres whilst keeping that 2000’s pop kind of feel. There are some lovely quiet moments of reflection and equally some great upbeat group numbers. Whilst the songs may not be the most memorable, they are certainly enjoyable. There are some points however where the lyrics and script is lost and hard to understand which can be an issue with such a fast moving piece. One of the highlights of this production is the use of onstage combat. The fight scenes, of which there are plenty, are performed excellently. Fight director Lisa Connell has managed to mix just the right amount of energetic sword fighting and violence, whilst still ensuring the cast are safe given the small stage.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a perfect musical for all the family. Whether you have read the books or not, this is a fun and upbeat show. There is no time to be wasted in this production, with every second counting as the action jumps from one Greek God or mythical creature to another. With some really creative moments, such as creating a Minotaur from wire crates to the impressive use of video projection, there really is something for everyone.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is currently booking until the 31st August 2025 with a UK Tour beginning on the 15th August. For more information and tickets click here.
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
Musical Manda 
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