It isn’t every day that a children’s fantasy book leaps from the page to the stage with this much spark, but The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical does exactly that. The touring production at the Regent Theatre in Hanley bursts with energy, heart, and clever humour – delivering a fast-paced adventure that kept the entire audience, young and old alike, completely enthralled.
Electrifying performances from a stellar cast
Leading the charge, Vasco Emaüz makes an outstanding Percy Jackson. His mix of teenage confusion, quick wit and reluctant bravery makes him a hero you can’t help but root for. He plays Percy as both ordinary and extraordinary, balancing swagger and vulnerability with genuine charm.
Kayna Montecillo is a magnetic Annabeth, combining strength and intelligence with a subtle softness that gives her character real depth.
The chemistry between the two is electric, with Cahir O’Neill’s Grover completing the trio perfectly. His comic timing and infectious warmth made him a clear favourite with the audience, particularly the children, who laughed at every well-timed bleat and blunder.
Elsewhere, Simone Robinson brings compassion and dignity to Sally Jackson, while Niall Sheehy’s calm presence as Mr Brunner contrasts nicely with Joseph Connor’s scene-stealing turn as Mr D, whose flamboyant chaos drew some of the night’s biggest laughs. Ellie-Grace Cousins gives Clarisse a bold, confident edge, and Paolo Micallef’s Luke hits all the right notes of charm and menace.
The ensemble – Alex Anderton, Abe Armitage, Ellouise Delooze, Becca Francis and Amy McEvoy – move with precision and energy, transforming scenes with fluid choreography and inventive staging.
Inventive, fast-moving, and full of surprises
This production proves that big imagination can outshine big budgets. Moveable curved staircases transform into a bus, a train or a battlefield in seconds, and the seamless transitions keep the story racing forward. The visual storytelling is superb, especially in the moments that bring Percy’s powers to life. The water effects and the Medusa scene were personal highlights.
What makes the show truly engaging, though, is its tone. It never talks down to its audience. The humour works for everyone, and it isn’t afraid to weave in moments of real emotion. Our family found ourselves laughing one minute, then quietly moved the next, a balance that felt just right.
The heart of the story
For anyone who loved Rick Riordan’s books, this adaptation gets it right. The gods are flawed, the heroes imperfect, and the friendships messy but loyal. It doesn’t smooth out the chaos; it embraces it, and that’s where the show finds its heart.
As parents, it was a joy to watch our children completely swept up in the story. They were whispering excitedly throughout, nudging each other as familiar lines appeared, and still chatting about favourite scenes all the way home. That kind of magic doesn’t happen often.
A night to remember
From start to finish, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a riot of colour, sound and storytelling that leaves you grinning long after the curtain falls. It’s quick, clever, and packed with talent.
The final number, Bring on the Monsters, brought the audience to its feet, and rightly so. There’s a spark in this show that feels rare, a mix of humour, heart, and a high-voltage performance that makes you remember why live theatre is so special.
Rating: ★★★★★ – A joyful, lightning-charged adventure that captures both the spirit of the books and the thrill of live performance.
The show runs through until Saturday 11th October 2025, and you can get tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical/regent-theatre/
