Life can be tough when you’re a gawky, neuro-diverse teenager... 

But it gets even trickier if you then find out you’re also a demigod!

And that’s exactly what Percy Jackson discovers about himself in this madcap musical adventure. Sure, his devoted mother is a common-or-garden mortal, but his absent father is a different kettle of fish altogether - namely, Poseidon, the god of the sea from Ancient Greek mythology, who, it turns out, is a Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, super-chilled-out surfer dude! 

The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical is based on Rick Riordan’s highly acclaimed and much-loved fantasy novel of the same name. Since first hitting bookshelves in 2005, to be followed by further novels in the series, the adventures of Percy have been adapted into two movies, a TV series, and this currently touring stage musical, which debuted in New York in 2014 and premiered in London 10 years later.

With newly discovered powers he can’t control, Percy finds himself at the Half-Blood Summer Camp. Along with new friends Grover - a half-goat/half-human Satyr - and Annabeth - the daughter of the goddess of wisdom, Athena - he embarks on a treacherous quest to recover King of the Gods Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt, prevent a war between the gods and potentially save the future of the entire human race. 

The stakes are certainly high for the reluctant young hero, but his challenge doesn’t end there - he also has to fit in a detour to the Greek underworld (located beneath Los Angeles!) to save his mum, who is being held hostage by Hades, the ruler of the subterranean realm to which souls must travel after death...

The storytelling in this bright and breezy musical is impressively fast paced - although at times this can be a little disorientating when you’re unfamiliar with the source material. If this is the case, then a word to the wise - be sure to read up on Greek mythology in the show’s programme beforehand, and also pay close attention to the lyrics of the opening song.

The production’s enthusiastic, talented and hard-working ensemble are accompanied by a live four-piece band. Together, they produce superb harmonies to unique and catchy rock & pop-style music. A standout star of the show is Simone Robinson, who plays both Percy’s mum and a 1970s-style disco-diva version of Charon, the ‘ferryman’ to the Greek underworld (complete with glittery jumpsuit and afro-hairstyle). The clarity and power of her voice is particularly memorable in her song DOA. 

Also, look out for a strong performance from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard, who plays the disgruntled director of Camp Half-Blood: the comical and antagonistic Mr D (alias Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and grape harvest).

The highlight of the production’s modest but imaginative set design is a circular screen on the back wall, creatively used throughout the show to present dramatic flashbacks and dream sequences (including, for example, a stunning night sky and a tidal wave!). 

Clever choreography, fabulous lighting and the appearance on stage of such mythical creatures as the Minotaur (a cross between a bull and a man) all play their part in giving the show a dynamic feel.

Vibrant and energetic, The Lightning Thief is certainly an entertaining work of musical theatre. And even though there simply isn’t enough time to properly flesh-out the individual characters, there’s nevertheless plenty to enjoy here, whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool fan of the stories or planting a foot in Percy Jackson’s magical world for the very first time.

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Malvern Theatres on Wednesday 4 February. The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical continues to show at the venue until Saturday 7 February. The production then visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 February.